Why It's Healthier to Live By the Water | Malibu Edition

If you have ever left the beach wondering why you feel so relaxed or, so refreshed after an ocean swim, you are not the only one.

Malibu Sunset | PC: Leilani Fischbeck, June 2024

 People have speculated for decades about the reasoning behind leaving the ocean fatigued; sunburn, the warmth of the sun, the physical component, and exercise walking in the sand. And they aren't all entirely wrong. In fact, each of those speculations have truth behind them. Living by a large body of water has been scientifically proven to have significant health benefits. 

My most recent adventure led me to Malibu, CA in July of 2024, to one of the more exclusive and desirable sides of this beautiful state. Staying at the ocean for a week in beautiful Malibu did not disappoint. Stress seemed to melt away although I was simultaneously working; rarely I noticed the concept of "too deep in the forest to see the trees" thinking creep up; a similar feeling my irritable, restless, and discontented self I was all too familiar with when I lived in Hawai'i next to a beautiful beach. But that's another story. Overall, it was absolutely incredible and I didn't want to leave.
Ocean swim in Malibu on a day it was 80 degrees!
RIP my lash extensions (June 2024)

A Belgium article titled, "Ocean Health in Belgium" seems to hit the nail on the head, identifying four major benefits of living by the ocean. It states, "...[benefits] arise through 4 mechanisms, i.e. stress reduction, elevated physical activity, healthier social interactions, and better environmental quality" (Alexander et al, 2019). The obligation to move around, even a little, and appreciate the environment becomes inevitable when it is all around you. I found myself staring out over the water on many occasions reminiscing, feeling gratitude and love for the friends who trusted me in their home, admiration for the little pup who I was watching, future tripping about my life ahead, and what it would be like to get lost at sea. 

The science behind this phenomenon of "Blue Space Effect" has been studied thoroughly; the relaxing effect is much more than just the feeling of being rocked in chair while the brain remembers the stimulus of the waves, or the feeling of tiredness after the sun. Reporter Brian Rivas of The Chanticleer published an article about the "Blue Mind" theory, referencing the book by Wallace Nichol's regarding the science behind a "better" life when living near or around water. Essentially, the brain is effected by the water; it actually induces a meditative-like state. In addition to reducing stress and PTSD symptoms, EKG's also reflected that "...water images evoked both positive emotions and a longer attention span" (Coastal Carolina University, 2016). This goes beyond a nice tan; living near an ocean improves sleep quality, reduces depression and anxiety, and depresses physical stress symptoms by a whopping 28%. 

Breakfast on a Beach | PC: Leilani Fischbeck, June 2024 

Malibu is its own culture, and has been that way since I can remember growing up nearby. If you are going to visit, please respect the ocean, beaches, and locals. For the next time you get to explore the fabulous city of Malibu, here are a few cool spots to check out: 

Point Dume- you can park in the lot all the way at the end, or drive to the top of the mountain to skip the hike on the way up. The views off of the cliff are incredible and there is great rock climbing. Just be mindful where you park. 

Blue Bottle Coffee Malibu- Simple, really well brewed, coffee. You're right across from the state park so you can take your coffee and go for a walk through the marshland. Or, walk around the little plaza and shop. They also have (currently) Superchargers in the back of the lot. 

Visiting a California beach should definitely be on everyone's bucket. 


"I have always believed that our lives have many similarities to the ocean...Water is unstoppable in all of its forms and unpredictable- much like life..."

-Happiness Comes in Waves | Life Lessons from the Ocean, Holly Daniels Christensen, 2022


Citations

Alexander, H., Gert, E., James, G., Lewis, E., Britt, L., Mathew, W., ... & Michiel, V. (2019, March). Ocean health in Belgium; Living near the coast is associated with better health. In BOOK OF ABSTRACTS (p. 16).                                  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11160-021-09669-5


Nichols, W.J. 2015. Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Reprint Edition. New York: Back Bay Books / Little, Brown, and Company. Coastal Carolina University, "The Chanticleer, 2016-03-23" (2016).The Chanticleer Student Newspaper. 669.

https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/chanticleer/669


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Location: Malibu, California, United States

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