For many, the seaside is considered a place of escape; freedom to roam, move and play. Walk, run or swim, sit and ponder or simply take in the views and listen to the seabirds. Spending time outside, being exposed to natural daylight boosts mental health and mood, especially during the winter months, which, for some, means facing the affects of S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). So, here are 5 reasons why a seaside holiday is good for you and why Llandudno ought to be just the spot this winter.
Breathe in the refreshing sea air
There’s nothing like the invigorating breeze of a wintery beach to blow away the cobwebs, but what about that deep breath of fresh sea air. Is it as good as it feels?
Apparently so; sea air contains droplets of sea water which comprises a host of elements including salt, iodine and magnesium. Studies suggest that sea air can be beneficial for the respiratory system, easing the symptoms associated with conditions such as sinusitis and asthma.
Take a dip!
For many people just being close to water helps to improve mental health but for some, taking those chilly steps into the sea brings with it a whole host of physical benefits too, and it turns out there’s something in it, including a boost for the immune system.
‘A study on the ‘Effect of winter swimming on haematological parameters’ (2011) * found that cold water swimmers gain significant increases in white blood cell counts.’ The physical stress of open water swimming in cold water increases the heart rate and stimulates the production of more white blood cells. Moreover, the temperature receptors under your skin release endorphins which help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure; adrenalin which increases the output of the heart and blood flow to muscles helping alleviate aches and pains, and cortisol which increases blood sugar and helps decrease bone formation.
Swimming in the sea also induces a steady breathing pattern which has a calming effect on the mind, and because sea water is naturally mineral-rich it also has exceptional healing properties for skin conditions.
Nature’s gym
Being beside the sea encourages activity and with the Wales Coast Path right on our Llandudno hotel doorstep, there can be nothing better for sea-seekers on a weekend break than simply walking along the coast, listening to the birds and taking in the views.
Walking creates warmth in the body, even on chilly winter days and is great for the cardiovascular system, as well as lowering blood pressure, boosting joint health and aiding weight management.
“Moving our bodies increases our cardiovascular fitness, releases mood-enhancing endorphins and helps with muscle building and bone density improvement,” says Catherine Kelly in her blog on ocean wellbeing for Blue Planet Society.**
Sleep better than ever
It’s certainly no myth that you sleep better by the sea. A study by The National Trust has shown that it can result in almost an extra hour of sleep a night***.
A wonderful combination of physical tiredness, sea air with its negative ions and calming effect on the mind and body, along with the exposure to natural daylight, which helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, aiding the sleep-wake cycle.
Discover our ‘Stay 4 Longer’ break, inviting you to ‘simply be’ beside the seaside this winter.
Boost mental health
And after all that sea air, chilly water and time spent in nature, you’re destined to sleep soundly and go home feeling happier and more relaxed.
Whether you wish to open your hotel room window and listen to the waves lapping at the shore, or you’d prefer run along the shoreline simply listening to the waves. Being outside and beside the sea is deeply relaxing and stress relieving – helping to relax the mind, lift mood and boost clarity.
According to mind.org.uk, spending time outside can help to feel more ‘connected to nature’, ‘reduce feelings of stress or anger’, and even ‘improve confidence and self-esteem’.
If you’ve stepped into January feeling as though you need an escape, or something to look forward to, consider a short break in Llandudno, North Wales – for your health! A few days of wild winter walks and wandering beside the sea, snowcapped mountains in one direction and far-reaching sea views in the other, and a coastal haven inviting you to feel at home, with traditional hospitality to ensure you do.
***National Trust Survey SLEEP, MOOD, AND COASTAL WALKING conducted in 2015