There’s nothing like a brisk stroll by the coast to make us feel more alive – and if anyone knows the transformative power of a beach walk, it’s Carrie Johnson. The mother of four, wife of former PM Boris Johnson, often shares her love of beach walking on Instagram – and now science is proving that the sea air and exercise gives both our mental and physical health a boost.

‘Studies show that we find coastal walks beneficial – people who’ve walked by the sea sleep for 47 minutes longer than people who’ve had the same walk at the same speed in a field or in a green space,’ Annabel Streets, author of The Walking Cure, told GH. ‘Why? Well, it might be due to the fact that when you inhale sea air, it contains miniscule droplets of seawater – rich in iodine, magnesium, calcium and potassium. When you walk by the sea, you’re actually inhaling magnesium, which has been shown in many studies to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep and induce feelings of calm.’

Carrie regularly enjoys walks on beaches both in the UK and around the world – her Instagram posts show her running and walking on the sand, often with her four children in tow. And walking on the beach is particularly beneficial for your heart. ‘Your body is working at an accelerated rate during a beach walk, over dunes, sand and pebbles,’ says Annabel. And studies show that a brisk walk on sand or shingle can increase your heart rate and blood circulation, which can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

That’s not all, says Annabel. ‘Your body and brain produces a cascade of biochemicals – hormones, neurotransmitters, proteins, metabolites, peptides, lipids and acids – that can dramatically affect your wellbeing. These molecules are so powerfully life-enhancing, scientists call them “hope molecules”.

And the effect gets even stronger if you choose a long-distance coastal walk. Recent research shows that distance walking over several consecutive days has profound effects on both body and brain, accelerating and enhancing emotional recovery, supporting heart health, mood, sleep, blood sugar balance and stress reduction – all without putting excessive strain on the body, says Annabel.

‘In fact, a study of postmenopausal women on a five-day hike in Sardinia showed astonishing, accumulative results – lowered blood pressure, decreased body fat, increased lean body mass, improved metabolic health, increased bone mineral density and muscle mass – which were comparable to several weeks of rigorous training.’