“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
Jacques Yves Cousteau
“There are all these cognitive and emotional benefits that we derive every time we spend time by water. Once you get into it, you realize that it’s chemistry, it’s biology, it’s physiology. It’s deeply personal but it’s also strong science.”
Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and best-selling author of the Blue Mind.
I love lists, I love listing health benefits of things (like potatoes, beets, and even water). I realized, I haven’t listed the health benefits of the ocean. The ocean is part of my wellness plan.
The beach is an ideal place to combine business with pleasure; you have fun while enjoying the benefits of the beach.
Here are the positive impacts of the beach on humans or simply 20 reasons you should head to the beach!
- The beach is an excellent stress reliever. Take advantage of your vacations at sea to disconnect and forget the pressure of daily life and work, thanks to the fresh air, seawater, the sun, and the wet sand
- The beach helps children eat and sleep better. Children let off steam and release all their energy; this gives them an appetite and helps them to have a good quality of sleep.
- The beach provides vitamin D, gives a healthy glow, and protects against viruses. However, avoid exposure to unprotected UV rays. Just remember the SPF! Vitamin D from the sun improves autoimmune protection, increases endorphins, lowers the risk of cancer, and enhances bone health.
- Seawater has multiple virtues for the skin thanks to its minerals and trace elements. Zinc, iodine, sodium, magnesium contained in seawater help healing, and improve the appearance of the skin.
- The beach is the ally of the respiratory tract. It is an ideal place to breathe deeply and fill the lungs with iodine, trace elements. The natural inclination to inhale deeply when you first step on the beach is actually an automatic response to the quality of the air. Individuals with asthma, COPD, or breathing difficulties will find that it’s far easier to breathe when on the beach, than almost anywhere else.
- Beach days have an antidepressant, euphoric, and anxiolytic effect. Not only is serotonin almost immediately released when you arrive on the beach, (serotonin is a key hormone for relaxation and happiness), but the sound and visuals of the beach and ocean are simply so soothing and peaceful.
- Sand is an exfoliant and promotes blood circulation. Saltwater cleanses the nose, heals faster, and improves blood circulation. Nothing like a barefoot ballad or a nap on the sand which relaxes the muscles and promotes a sweet sleep. The beach allows you to practice various sports. Taking a sand bath could help relieve some ailments such as rheumatism.
- At the beach, we take the time to read and stimulate our minds. We also take moments to meditate and listen to nature.
- Salt water has incredible medical benefits. It purifies the intestines, boosts immunity, and cleanses the nasal passages.
- A day at the beach causes molecular changes in our bodies because the waves produce negative ions, allowing us to absorb more oxygen and balance our serotonin level, a neurotransmitter linked to our mood. According to a scientific study, basking on the beach is a great way to make us more positive and in a good mood.
- Water is one of the best natural remedies for stress. It has a high content of positively charged ions, which are recognized for their ability to relax and relax the body. Nothing could be simpler to feel this feeling of relaxation. Just take a dip or simply dip your feet in seawater. The beach has the power to boost morale in no time. It brings a real boost which we should all be able to take advantage of at least from time to time.
- Like its benefits on stress levels and creativity, the beach can also relieve the symptoms associated with depression as the beach awakens all of our senses. The sound of the waves hypnotizes our hearing; the horizon captivates our sight, the iodized air acts on our sense of smell and the hot sand on our touch.
- Splashing and swimming at the beach at a moderate pace have a positive effect on blood pressure and heart rate.
- Different colors often produce different psychological, emotional, and physical effects. The color blue, for instance, is often used in marketing material to convey a sense of calmness. I have an anxiety issue, being surrounded by blue skies and blue sea helps.
- Grounding, like simply walking barefoot, has been proven to have a number of stimulating benefits to our bodies and minds and our feet contain a rich network of nerves and acupuncture points.
- Salt water is great for blood circulation in our bodies, from it’s nutrient mix and physical exertion when exercising. Therapy known as ‘Thalassotherapy’ is known to improve blood cycle and circulation by restoring essential micro-elements within our bodies that are depleted by poor diets, stress or induced by environmental pollution.
- The beach encourages an active lifestyle, especially on vacation. You are more likely to walk farther with beautiful views and want to try ocean sports like swimming, sailing, surfing and kayaking. The ocean is calling!
- It’s not only children who sleep better after a beach day, many insomnia sufferers turn to the beach looking for a natural remedy. It’s because the beach helps relieve three key factors that inhibit sleep: high stress and anxiety levels, lack of physical fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.
- The minerals in the ocean could help reduce symptoms for those with rheumatoid arthritis. According to a study, patients who used bath salts made from Dead Sea minerals also experienced fewer symptoms, like morning stiffness and trouble with hand gripping.
- The beach is fun. Fun has a long list of health benefits too. But increased energy, memory, and connection are among the tops.
In 2012, a University of Exeter study found that simply living within close proximity to a beach improves one’s health and wellbeing. But an annual trip has just as many health benefits. Did you really need another excuse?
“To escape and sit quietly on the beach — that’s my idea of paradise.”
Emilia Wickstead
