The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Photography by Marilyn Harrison

Wellbeing | Why the Sea Makes you Happy

Iona Bower July 13, 2023

Why we really do like to be beside the seaside…

We’ve been exploring the health benefits of the sea for centuries, from bathing in its salty waters to breathing in the cleaner air of the coast. But the power of the sea to improve our wellbeing is so strong, you can actually reap the benefits without even rolling up your trouser legs and getting your feet wet. 

A recent study from the University of Exeter found that simply living near the sea had protective benefits against anxiety and depression, with those living close to the sea less likely to experience mental distress. However, that benefit was reversed if they moved inland. In fact, just looking at the sea and out to the skyline can have a positive effect on mental health. A 2015 study found that having a sea view could slow heart rate and increase happiness, and hearing the sound of waves has a similar effect. 

Of course, we’d all love nothing more than a permanent view of the changing sea from our windows, but if you’re a little land-locked, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the benefits of the sea. On days where you can’t get to the water, here are some ways to bring it to you

Make a plant pot pond 

If digging a pond is out of the question, Helen Rook author of Urban Wild (Bloomsbury Wildlife) suggests this clever idea. Take a pot (preferably without holes). Fill with water, then add a couple of deep water and marginal plants (choose one for spread and one to cascade). Position out of direct sunlight and enjoy watching the wildlife it’ll attract.

Visualise the ocean

There are many guided meditations that use water as an aid for relaxation. Find one on a meditation app or simply sit for a while, close your eyes and imagine the sounds, smells and feel of your favourite watery environment. 

Have a soak in the bath

Oprah Winfrey is so keen on bathing – her ‘restorative escape’ and ‘ideas time’ – that she had a bathtub designed to fit her body. While that might be a bit ambitious, you can still benefit from the increased creativity, calm and ideas that come with a long soak.

Listen to the waves

The sound of water is very relaxing and can help you fall asleep, reduce stress and anxiety and clear your mind. You can find wave sounds on YouTube or next time you’re by the coast, record them so you can listen and picture yourself there again when you’re in need of a boost of vitamin sea. 

These ideas were taken from our July 2022 issue, in which Rebecca Frank wrote about Blue Space Thinking and why we are drawn to the water. The wonderful sea view pictured is by Marilyn Harrison. It’s just one of the rooms with a sea view that we featured in our My Place pages this month. 

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More things we love about the sea…

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InWellbeing Tagsissue 133, sea, views, my place, wellbeing
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  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Order  our new Celebrations Anthology   Buy a copy of  Flourish 3 , our wellbeing bookazine   Listen to  our podcast  – Small Ways to Live Well
Aug 29, 2025
Aug 29, 2025

Buy, download or subscribe

See the sample of our latest issue here

Order our new Celebrations Anthology

Buy a copy of Flourish 3, our wellbeing bookazine 

Listen to our podcast – Small Ways to Live Well

Aug 29, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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