While wondering what to write, I saw this writing prompt and thought it was apt for today. It’s summer time now and we are all thinking about past holidays, unfortunately here, travel is still not allowed. Since Singapore is tiny, we usually travel out of the country for all holidays, even if it’s a short weekend jaunt. This is unlike most other countries which have a rich hinterland which can be used as holiday destinations.

So, mountains or beaches? This is easy and difficult at the same time, because I love the water. My ideal holiday destination would be a place somewhere in the mountains, surrounded by greenery and overlooks a water body. I don’t know swimming and am not very fond of water sports, so a beach holiday would not really be a preference. Though I would say that a hammock on the beach or even a nice lounger with access to cool drinks and a good, gripping book is what a real relaxing holiday is all about. However, for those who do, a beach holiday can provide hours of fun and relaxation.

Anyone who has spent time at the beach already knows that the beach is the perfect stress reliever. In fact, Hippocrates created a word, Thalassotherapy, for the buzz you get from being by the sea. Science has even proven that a day at the beach can lead to increased mood, better sleep, and a general feeling of bliss. A day at the beach increases the Vitamin D production in the body, an essential ingredient for healthy skin and bones. It also boosts the immune system and general mood. The ocean’s saltwater is a natural saline that can clear sinuses, which can help fight infection, allergies, and general sinus issues. The minerals in saltwater are great for the skin and the sand can help with exfoliation. Recent studies have also found that sea air is full of negative ions which help bodies absorb oxygen better and help balance levels of serotonin. One study even proved that negative ions can help treat seasonal affective disorder. Researchers have found that the sound of waves actually changes brain patterns, it puts the mind into a deep meditative state. There is even one study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health that showed that exposure to blue spaces like bodies of water, had a better effect on mood than exposure to green spaces like parks and trees.

At the beach, looking out at the vast ocean which changes minute to minute is awe-inspiring and watching the waves roll and ebb with the sun glistening on the water can make hours feel like minutes. And how can one forget ocean sunrises and sunsets which showcase all that is beautiful in nature. It is like watching a beautiful painting come to life. For those living in climates which are cold, a beach holiday is a chance to escape the weather. Though for someone like me, who grew up in a tropical climate and now lives in one, the heat is not the best reason to go to the beach. Seafood lovers have another reason to love beach holidays as it is known fact that the best and freshest seafood is found in coastal areas. Sitting in a beachside shack with some delicious food, watching the waves would probably be bliss for such people.

Other than what I have written above, those who like water sports would also enjoy a beach holiday as well as those who enjoy diving, snorkelling and wakeboarding. Lovers of the marine life can also take rides to check out the many marine creatures with experienced guides. Many coastal areas are home to coral reefs, both natural and artificial, that are a haven for marine diversity.

Mountain and high altitudes have been shown to have positive effects on everything from muscle building to fighting obesity. In the mountains, one can disconnect and relax completely and be connected with nature. One can enjoy the early morning mists, the dew on the trees and grass and who can forget the loads of oxygen and fresh air one gets in the mountains. Walking barefoot in the grass is a feeling like no other.

One study showed that even a weeklong vacation in the mountains can have a positive impact on weight loss. Participants at a higher altitude lost an average of 1.5 kg per person in a week even when they kept to their regular diet and activity level. Not only does the high altitude have a positive effect on the metabolism, it also reduces appetite and increases the feeling of being satisfied after eating. Higher altitudes also lower the risk of heart disease. At high altitude, the lower oxygen levels force the body to produce new blood vessels that increase blood flow to the heart. The air up in the mountains has lower pollution levels which also has a positive impact on health. Spending time in the mountains has shown to be beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory problems and the scent of pine and lavender, be found in the mountains, has a calming effect, reducing depression and stress. The mountains are nature’s gym and vacations in the mountains tend to be more active with even a gentle walk that takes in declines and inclines, and gravity being a great personal trainer. Hiking which has a whole range of health benefits like increasing the heart rate, exercising the core muscles, increase bone density, build strength in the legs, buttocks, hips and lower back and reduces the risk of diabetes. So, time spent in the mountains can transform the body and mind.

There is also an interesting study done by psychologists of the University of Virginia. Psychologist Shigehiro Oishi and colleagues Thomas Talhelm and Minha Lee in a series of three studies, tested whether there is a link between personality and an aspect of physical ecology: flat terrain versus mountainous terrain. For one of the studies, the research group analysed a database of 613,000 personality surveys across the United States to see whether introversion and extroversion was associated with a state’s geography. The study found that only one of the Big Five personality traits predicted terrain preference – extraversion.

Extroverts prefer beaches to mountains and introverts love the mountains more. The study was developed on the basis of the psychologists’ hypothesis called person-environment fit which suggests that people choose surroundings that help them fulfil their desires. The study also reveals that mountain lovers are more introverted than beach lovers. Mountain lovers seek isolation when they travel and hence, they wish to go to the mountains where the population density is low and the probability of meeting people is less. People who prefer beaches are extroverts, who like to socialise.

Participants perceived wooded/secluded terrain to be calmer, quieter and more peaceful. In contrast, participants in the flat/open condition perceived the terrain to be more sociable, exciting and stimulating. The study found that when people want to socialize with others, they prefer the ocean far more (75%) than mountains (25%). In contrast, when they want to be alone, they choose mountains (52%) as much as the ocean (48%). Results of the study also showed that introverts tend to live in mountainous regions, while extroverts live in open and flat regions. The researchers caution that there is no evidence mountains make people introverted, but rather, introverts tend to choose mountainous geography because of the secluded environment.

According to the lead researcher, Shige Oishi, individuals should consider their personalities more closely when choosing a place to live as some cities and towns have a geography that is more accommodating for some people than for others and if someone knows they are introverted, then they may be rejuvenated by being in a secluded place, while an extrovert may be rejuvenated more in an open space.

So, in conclusion, beach lovers are social, have a large group of friends and can often divulge in small talk. Their phones do not stop buzzing and they make friends freely and easily. They probably love music and believe in the notion of carpe diem which means to live in the present moment and be too concerned about the future. A mountain lover is an introvert at heart, who likes seclusion and loves their own company above anybody else’s. They are creative, be it writing, painting, sketching, or singing and belong to the mountains because they think they bring out the best in them. They are also philosophical and like conversations that are much deeper and love talking about art, nature, life and philosophy. They are also better listeners.

When I initially said I would prefer mountains, it was right up my alley as I am self-professed introvert and maybe that study is absolutely accurate. What about you? Are you a beach person or someone who prefers the mountains?