Dreaming of the Beach?

It is our natural instinct to be near the coast and for many of us, we spend our days dreaming of the beach. Many of our earliest and fondest childhood memories, are based around a coastal visit. Whether a day trip to the local state beach or a summer spent on the shore, these memories remain deep in our psyche. We respond to the sensory information in these memories — the smell of the ocean, the touch of the sand beneath our feet, and the sound of the water’s peaceful cadence sweeping the coastline. These feelings continue to pull on us and bring us back to the beach on a regular basis.

But why does the coast have this long-lasting and deeply rooted effect on us?

The human body is made up of 70% water, leaving many scientists to believe this is more than a coincidence. There is a universal connection between humans and their environment. Recent studies have revealed a connection between our connection to water and how it directly relates to our happiness or general well-being.

Marine biologist, Wallace J. Nichols, writes about the positive connection between our brains and the water in his recent book, 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. “We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us,” explains Nichols. Our love for the coast, and water in general, is not something that has been nurtured or taught, but something that resides deep inside each of us.