By the Sea: The therapeutic benefits of being in, on and by the water

by Deborah Cracknell

In this stunning book, intuition and instinct meet modern science as the therapeutic benefits of being in, on or by the sea are explained and explored, and how, if we look after the oceans they will, in turn, look after us .

There is something about the vastness of the oceans, which are significantly larger than the continents combined, that has drawn humans in a significant way since the beginning of coastal communities. Throughout history, people have gravitated to live near the sea, it is part of the survival instinct. Water also has huge cultural and spiritual significance for people through the ages and for centuries we looked to the sand and surf as a fully-stocked medicine cabinet.

Despite the widespread intuitive feeling that being by the water makes us happier and healthier , there hasn't been much scientific evidence to quantify this connection. Until now. Environmental psychology is the study of how the natural environment makes us feel, think and behave, and scientists in this area are discovering the tangible benefits of breathing in the fresh sea air.

Reasons to spend time by the
1. Just looking at the sea can promote reductions in heart rate and improvements in mood.
2. The negative ions in sea air accelerate your ability to absorb oxygen, and balance your seratonin levels.
3. The bracing climate is especially beneficial to the respiratory organs and the skin, and also improves circulation and strengthens the body's defences.
4. Spending time by the sea promotes better mental health.
5. When you are by the sea you are more likely to exercise.

Genres: Nonfiction

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2019

Reviews

[KLCreative · Rating 2 out of 5]

✅ Well researched
❌ Just a summary of how mental and physical health can be improved by activities at the beach, not why the sea is especially important.
✅ Easy to read
❌ Would have liked more research into why specifically “blue-space” is beneficial - why is it better than forest bathing or other immersive nature spaces?

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all know that being by the sea makes us feel better; physically and psychologically- but to what extent? A very interesting insight into the benefits of blue space and nature-based prescribing. And I love the absolute wealth of resources in the bibliography so that you have plenty further reading material should you wish.
I just wish it were a little more detailed rather than simply introducing ideas; more scientific perhaps but I appreciate the text has to be accessible and as I say there is the opportunity to delve into the more scientific studies cited by flicking to the back.

[Sandra Almeida Junça | sandralargaolivro (Instagram) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um livro cheio de banalidades, com muito pouca informação relevante e que, mesmo esta, pode ser facilmente obtida através da internet. Nem as fotografias são de qualidade superior, que justifiquem a compra. Não recomendo.

[Becky Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting but had a lot of studies on why people like the ocean better than country.
I think both equally have their own special qualities.

It got super repetitive and I had to skim over those parts quite a bit.

Worth a read especially if you are into statistics.

[Karen Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

My revived love affair with swiming and the sea sees me reaching out to books that inspire and support this passion. This is one. All the interesting, different, feeling and expereinces that fuel this passion.

[Loki · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of an overview than anything else, but sparks with fascinating ideas.

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read mostly by the sea.

[Svetlana Collantes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it discussed how much we rely on the ocean as humans.

[Helen Hanna]

Beautiful photos. Food for thought with regards to the restorative benefits of the sea on physical and emotional well-being. Something I'd like to revisit.