The EastCoaster

By: Brianna Powers 

Beaches located along the East Coast of the United States not only provide us with natural beauty, an area of relaxation, and sensory stimulation, but are home home to a tremendous amount of ecosystems. Unfortunately, these coastal environments are threatened by an array of factors. These factors include, erosion, rising sea levels, pollution, and destructive human activities.

Due to climate change, rising sea levels and increased storm intensity pose a threat to our beach ecosystems. These factors in turn have resulted in in erosion, habitat loss, and infrastructure damage. Similarly, pollution from different sources, such as plastic waste and oil spills harm water quality and marine life. Pollution not only impacts the ecological health and recreational value of our beach environments, but it degrades the natural beauty of the beaches we know and love.

Countless research has shown that exposure to natural environments, such as beaches, can improve mental health—I know this is certainly the case for me! The visual, auditory, and sensory elements of beach settings can aid in a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression. Beaches can provide a calming environment for embracing relaxation techniques, practicing mindfulness, and healthy exercise. In regard to relaxation techniques, the rhythmic sound of waves, the textures of sand, and the grandness of the ocean can help with the practice of being present. Similarly, practicing mindfulness, like meditating, promotes mental clarity and stress reduction. Lastly, engaging in physical activities like, walking, swimming, or playing sports releases endorphins. An increase in endorphins leads to an energy boost and improvement in overall well-being.

Beaches are also great for social interaction and community engagement. Spending quality time with friends and family at the beach enhances social connections, which are essential for dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Personally, one of my favorite memories from this past summer was spending a morning with my younger sister at the beach where we were able to get away from our busy lives and spend some quality time together.

Some strategies for promoting mental health and beach preservation may include implementing sustainable coastal management strategies, such as dune restoration and setback regulations. These strategies can protect beach environments by raising public awareness about the mental health benefits beach ecosystems encompass. Hopefully, more awareness can gain public support for preservation efforts, encourage responsible behavior, and increase collaboration between environmental organizations and mental health professionals. Possibly, organizational collaboration can lead to the development of nature-based therapy programs. 

I know a lot of these issues discussed within the article are “above a lot of our pay grades,”so in the following paragraph, I will map out some useful tips for promoting mental health and beach preservation that you may be able to implement in your day-to-day lives!

 During the summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to engage in volunteer work at a beach cleanup held in Long Beach, Long Island. Approximately thirty dedicated volunteers joined together for an hour, successfully gathering a total of fifty pounds of litter that had been tossed across the beach area. My best friend had the opportunity to intern with this remarkable initiative and shared with me that fifty pounds of garbage is the usual outcome of their weekly cleanup endeavors. Should similar initiatives be available in your area, I suggest considering participation. This involvement not only plays a role in preserving the environment and marine ecosystems, but also is an amazing way to get out of the house, into the fresh air, and meet some really cool people!

Additionally, ways you can aid in beach cleanup include the following:

•  Make sure to pick up after yourself when you’re done with your beach day 
•  Reduce single-use plastics such as water bottles and plastic bags 
• Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and not feeding the animals. I know seagulls always manage to steal the last bite of your sandwich, but try your best!
• Organize your own cleanup with friends and family!

Our beach environments contain some of the most important ecosystems on our East Coast. Let’s keep them clean, enjoy the space, and show them some love.