What is a thalassophile? A person who loves and is magnetically attracted to the ocean and the sea.
Many people say they enjoy spending time at the beach, especially during summertime.
While that might be a normal thing to do, there's also a particular niche of individuals who need to be near the ocean all the time.
A thalassophile is someone who not only appreciates being close to the shoreline but needs to live in coastal areas like air to breathe.
Thalassophiles are intimately linked to the ocean breeze and the soothing characteristics associated with living by the sea.
The word "thalassophile" derives from the Greek terms thalassa, meaning sea, and phile or philos, a person or thing having a fondness for a specified thing.
In Greek mythology, Thalassa was the primeval goddess and spirit of the sea.
Health Benefits of Living by the Sea
There's a scientific explanation for loving the ocean unconditionally.
Doctors have been prescribing days at the beach for centuries, as salt water, warm sand, and sea breeze benefit people's health.
Ocean views and tidal cycles have relaxing and calming properties and positively impact the lives and health of people suffering from stress, depression, anxiety, obesity, and heart diseases.
People who live near the ocean experience several benefits on a regular, daily basis and feel encouraged to increase their physical activity.
There's a huge difference between waking up surrounded by buildings, city life, and traffic congestion and getting up, having a deep breath of fresh air, and resting your eyes on the horizon above a calm blue sea.
But there's more. People living by the sea spend more time outdoors and are more exposed to the sun's vitamin D.
As a result, they enjoy better immune health, have calcium absorption levels, and develop fewer allergies.
Due to the warmer and more temperate and stable climates and temperatures, oceanside people suffer less from muscle strains and arthritis than those who live inland and landlocked.
The clean and refreshing air that comes in off the ocean is incomparably better and healthier than the air people breathe everywhere else.
Interestingly, in 1897, French biologist and physiologist René Quinton discovered the similarities between the mineral composition of interstitial fluid and plasma and seawater.
So, in the end, a thalassophile "suffers" from a "healthy condition." On the opposite side of the spectrum, you'll find thalassophobia.
In a broader sense, you could say that thalassophiles are drawn to the ocean in particular and all bodies of water in general.
Thalassotherapy uses the beneficial properties of seawater on the pores of the skin.
Are You a Thalassophile?
What's the difference between someone who enjoys taking a walk on the beach and a thalassophile?
If you tick six of the following ten signs, they're you're definitely a thalassophile.
1. You Start Feeling Trapped Inland
When you start to feel that something's not right and realize you're feeling imprisoned living inland or with country life.
2. You Need to Go For a Surf or Swim in the Ocean
There's something in you that tells you that you really need to put a wetsuit, boardshorts, or bikini on and get wet.
3. You Can Spend Hours Staring at the Sea
It's not boring, tedious, or dull. It's the opposite. You're one of those who could sit on the boardwalk and observe beach life from dawn to dusk.
4. You Desperately Miss the Scent of the Ocean
It's like a disease, especially during Spring and Summer. You hopelessly miss the smell of the warm sea breeze, the waves, algae, and sargasso in the morning.
5. You Need to Get to the Coastline Regularly
When you realize it's been a month since you last put your eyes on the ocean, and it's time to get back to the coastline.
6. You Start Feeling Depressed Without Regular Proximity to the Sea
It's the feeling people develop when they're brought up by the sea, and life takes them away from it. It's more than a mood disorder - it's a serious disease.
7. You Feel a Spiritual Connection to the Ocean
You believe there's a spiritual connection between the ocean and humans because you can almost touch it, even though you might not be a religious person.
8. When You Plan Your Vacations, Beach Time is Always the First Option
When holidaying always means beach time with the family, and all other options don't make sense.
9. You Realize that You Unconsciously Spend a Lot of Time By the Sea
Admit it. You love and enjoy the beach and the ocean all year round, and you always find something to do near a strip of sand.
10. You're Willing to Change Your Life and Career to Live Near the Ocean
It's an act of freedom and one of the most dramatic decisions one can take to be and live happily.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com