CARLSBAD, Calif., May 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As regulations continue to change and allow for the reopening of public places, it's no surprise that beaches were one of the first spots people flocked to after adjusting to life indoors. Why? According to a new survey, getting out into nature is the most popular way to unwind and relax from life's daily stressors – making beaches, parks and other outdoor places an important sanctuary for many.

REEF, a leader in surf and beach footwear, sought to get the inside scoop on the benefits of the beach – a place it holds so dear – in its 2020 survey. With a deep-rooted heritage in all things beach-related, the brand has worked to educate consumers on the environment and the perks of getting outdoors, while also championing beach clean-ups and ocean conservation as ways to protect these beloved places. Whether it's taking a walk or listening to the waves crash, this survey revealed ways Americans put their best foot forward in times of anxiety and stress, and in turn, "seas the day."

"It's evident that the beach plays a big role in alleviating daily stressors from our lives," says Dr. Heidi Hanna, stress expert and REEF ambassador, who works with the brand to uncover the mental benefits of the sand and surf, a term they coined 'Beach Brain.' "These last few months have been a trying time for our nation, and many are looking for little ways to unwind. Whether it's meditating and exercising or getting out into nature and going to the beach, it's important that we engage our body and mind in activities that naturally lift our mood."

From giving up coffee all summer in order to hit the shore to beach-goers' top essentials for a day spent oceanside, the results of this REEF 'Beach Brain' survey reveal the important place beaches have in consumers' hearts and minds. It also delves into the aspects of daily life that ultimately cause the most stress and the ways in which people improve their mental health. Survey says…

Biggest Stressor?

• Respondents reported the below situations cause them the most stress on a daily basis.
• Financial problems: 76 percent
• Relationship difficulties: 67 percent
• Family responsibilities: 66 percent
• Work stressors: 65 percent
• Feeling isolated: 58 percent

The Great Outdoors

• Looking for ways to clear your head? Outside is the place to be. These are the top ways Americans do something positive for their mental health.
• Getting out into nature: 50 percent
• Going to the beach: 44 percent
• Taking a vacation/trip: 44 percent
• Getting enough sleep: 44 percent
• Eating healthy: 42 percent

Don't Worry, Beach Happy

• With nearly 3 out of 4 of Americans revealing that they would go to the beach to alleviate stress, it's no wonder the crashing of ocean waves is a go-to relaxation sound.
• In fact, once at the beach nearly four in five people admit they are in a better mood!

Would You Rather: Coffee vs. the Beach

• The beach is such a good mood-boost that more than half of people (54 percent) said they would rather give up coffee all summer if it meant being able to go to the beach.

Playing Hooky

• With more than two thirds of respondents revealing work causes them stress, it's no wonder that nearly half (48 percent) would happily call out "sick" in order to head to the beach if they could.

The Perfect Beach Day

• For a day well spent, these are respondents' favorite things to do while at the beach to help de-stress and escape from the hustle and bustle of life at home.
• Take a leisurely walk: 53 percent
• Listen to the waves: 47 percent
• Jam to music: 46 percent
• Read a book: 43 percent
• Lay in the sun: 42 percent
• When asked what makes the "perfect beach day," the poll uncovered that a 79-degree day in July is the setup for a dream trip.

Battle of the Sexes

• How men and women perceive their beach experience differs, though. While both genders agree family beaches are the most preferred (28 percent for men and 29 percent for women), a very close second is a "party beach" for men (26 percent) and an empty beach for women (27 percent).

Beach Trip Essentials

• When heading to the beach, Americans have certain essentials they wouldn't dare leave the house without:
• Sunglasses: 57 percent
• A beach towel: 57 percent
• Sunscreen: 56 percent
• Sandals/flip-flops: 49 percent
• Food/snacks: 44 percent

Flip or Flop

• When choosing the best footwear for a beach trip, the flip flop comes in as the top style pick with nearly half of the vote.
• That's not the only fashion situation people are concerned about at the beach though, in fact, nearly a quarter of respondents (26 percent) said they've dealt with a dreaded wardrobe malfunction while frolicking at the shore, more specifically a broken flip flop (27percent).

In Good Company

• Trouble in paradise? Not for these respondents. Americans would prefer to be stranded on a desert island with the cast from ABC's 'Bachelor in Paradise' (27 percent) over any other beach-related show.
• When asked which talk show team people would most like to go on vacation with, Americans ultimately chose "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan, with 28 percent of the vote.

For more information on REEF, visit www.reef.com or on Facebook or Instagram.

Methodology
The 2020 survey was commissioned by REEF and conducted online by OnePoll with a panel of 2,000 Americans. The respondents were 18 years and older and results were split by gender, age and region.

About REEF^®
REEF is the global footwear and apparel brand that encourages people everywhere to Beach Freely. United by the spirit of the beach since 1984, REEF designs innovative and comfort-driven products to celebrate the freedom and fun of beach lifestyle. Learn more at www.reef.com. 

SOURCE REEF

Related Links

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