The benefits of the humble Kiwi bach for our wellbeing

By Good Magazine

February 17, 2021

Beautiful beach bach with jetty on Kawau island, New Zealand.

A recent study commissioned by Long White beverages noted both sunny days and heading to a bach can bring joy to a person’s day.

Psychologist and bach owner Sara Chatwin says baches give people a way to connect in a small group, in their own environment, giving them a piece of paradise with those around them who matter most. 

“A bach is an escape from the daily grind and an opportunity to hang out with people who resonate with you and who make you happy.”

“Access to the opportunity to chill and relax has enormous benefits for over well-being, for example, stress diminishes, good hormones are released, sleep patterns can actually improve meaning mood and energy are more positively pitched,” says Chatwin.

“As an island nation, the sea and the beach beckons us. We generally have a mindset that has been created by our environment and opportunities we have to interact with our friends in our favourite places in this beautiful country of ours!”

Chatwin says COVID has shown us how important human connection is and a lack of social contact can create problems. 

“People begin to experience loneliness and can become anxious and depressed. Sometimes people speak of feeling that they have no direction or focus because interface with people and friends punctuates a day and can give some people a sense of perspective. We tend to be social creatures even if we only choose a few friends to interact with,” she says.

The research also showed that when it comes to the people we have the most fun with; Kiwis say this is most likely to be their partner (39%), followed by their friends (28%) and children (20%). Siblings (4%) and parents (2%) were also mentioned.

“One of the things the pandemic has taught us is to nurture and cherish the relationships with our partners and our families because often, they are all we have and arguably all we need,” she says.

The Long White study was commissioned as part of a new nationwide campaign which was designed to make coastal property ownership a reality for one New Zealander. The ‘Long White Win a Bach’ campaign from Asahi Beverages is believed to offer one of the year’s largest single cash prizes outside of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission and will provide a contribution of $500,000 towards a holiday home for one Kiwi consumer.

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