Are you missing the beach? Yes, me too! The significant lack of beach time over the last two years has had me wondering… what exactly am I craving? Why does the beach make us feel so grounded and calm? So here goes… The ocean air contains a high concentration of negative ions. In fact, beach air can have as much as 2000 negative ions per cubic centimetre, opposed to that of a crowded city where it can be less than 100. These negative ions have an anti-microbial and mood stabilising effect on us, hence positively influencing our serotonin levels which can help to reduce mood disorders and depression. These ions play an important part in our central nervous system and help our bodies take in oxygen, which increases the oxygen flow to our brains. These wonderful ions are also found near waterfalls, on mountains and in forests. Couple that with the colour blue which has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace, and the sound of water which de-stimulates your brain. No wonder we are all craving the beach! You may ask… ‘what does this have to do with garden design?’ Well, quite frankly not much! Apart from the fact that good garden design (in particular Biophilic Design) is scientifically proven to make you feel good and so is the sea. Watch out for plenty of beach posts in 2022 – I’m on a mission ?
Photo from our amazing holiday in Cuba 2017.