We are just back from a much needed few days by the sea.  I’ve always been of the opinion that the closer you are to the ocean, the better you feel.  I’ve just googled “why is being by the sea good for you?” and this is what I’ve learnt:

• doctors have been prescribing curative trips to the sea since the 18th century
• the sound of the waves lulls you into a more relaxed state [unless each wave threatens to wash away your stubborn toddler who keeps try to walk into the big ones!]
• swimming in the sea is not only great exercise but actually improves your immune system [a brave thing to do in Scotland even in the summer!  My sister went in swimming but I just froze my toes off paddling with Pig.  Do toddlers not feel the cold?  He seemed oblivious.  Ruth (sister) actually bumped into a friend in the sea while swimming.  What are the chances!? (a human friend, not a seal).]
• Thalassotherapy is an actual thing.  It uses sea water, products and proximity to the ocean as a wellbeing treatment.
• The colour blue is associated with being calm and a sense of peace.  Scottish oceans are grey 90% of the time but I still think they do their bit for restoring tired minds.
• We are pre-conditioned to relax and enjoy ourselves when we go to the beach. Popular culture tells us that the beach is fun.  We want to have a great time.  Even if you are eating sandy sandwiches on a windy shingle beach while hopping jelly fish you are still having the time of your life.

Our beach trip was just over to East Lothian where there are so many gorgeous beaches.  I think Seacliff was my favourite.  There were horses cantering along it, views of Tantallon Castle and the Bass Rock and lots of good shells and other treasures to find [we found a very cool blue crab’s leg which I brought home but it smelt of rotting crab flesh and has been banned from the house].

I’ve recently come across the social enterprise Sea the Change who are based here in the Borders and in Northumberland. Sea the Change is a not for profit community enterprise that encourages our whole community to adopt small, but positive changes that create a happier, healthier, more sustainable world.  Access to the natural environment is a big part of what they do.  They have provided three beach wheelchairs and a hoist at Coldingham Bay just a little further down the coast from where we were exploring. These wheelchairs enable everyone, regardless of age or physical abilities, the opportunity to enjoy the beach.  That seems to me like a vitally important service.  [Sea the Change also have a community toy box available at Coldingham Bay!]  I’m really excited to have discovered Sea the Change and I’m hoping I can get involved with one of their projects at some point.

Wishing you lots of easy breezy seaside days,

Hannah x