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If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, you may want to plan a trip to the beach. A new study from Michigan State University reveals,
Having the ocean in view each day is linked to lower levels of stress. Researchers showed participants photos of green spaces like parks and forests, as well as photos of the ocean. They found that viewing green spaces did not show the same benefit as viewing the sea. Study co-author, Professor Amber Pearson explains, “It could be because the blue space was all natural, while the green space included human-made areas, such as sports fields and playgrounds, as well as natural areas such as native forests. Perhaps if we looked only at native forests we might find something different.” Researchers say the findings could be useful for city planning. For example, making affordable homes or a certain number of high-rise buildings in coastal cities with ocean views might improve mental health.
I totally believe this study. Last memorial day weekend I drove down to Surfside Beach and spent the day. It was so relaxing and I felt like I had a mental detox laying by the ocean.
