The 8 Reasons Why Your Body and Brain Want You to Go to the Beach
7 minute read
The soft sand at your feet, the soothing sounds of the waves, and the fresh ocean air are peaceful and calming for your body and mind. There’s more to the beach than just the enjoyment.
Science has discovered that going to the beach and being near the ocean is beneficial for your brain as well as overall physical well-being. You already loved the beach, but now science proves it is one of the best places to be.
Beach Benefits for Your Brain
Sounds of ocean waves have been used in meditation practices for many years. The reason is that the sounds of the ocean are soothing and relaxing. Even for the most anxious and stressed of minds, the sounds of the ocean can bring calmness and allow your brain to recharge.
Research has shown that the repetitive crashing sound of waves along the shore is rhythmic and calming, putting people at ease.
The gentle sounds of the waves are quiet and non-threatening, which allows your mind to calm down. Meditation has long been shown to improve brain health and cognitive function, as well as relax the body.
Using ocean sounds to help you meditate will allow you to reach a calmer place more efficiently. While a recording of the ocean sounds will help with meditation, visiting the beach will work wonders for calming your mind.
1. Beat the Blues
Science has found that different colors cause different emotional, physical, and psychological effects. Blue is known to convey a sense of calm and can reduce stress.
Staring into the blue of the ocean can have a calming effect on your brain, and by changing the frequency of your brain waves, you can reach a meditative state. The blue hues of the ocean can produce a peaceful feeling that is similar to anti-depressant effects.
2. Soothing Salty Air
As soon as you get to the beach and take that big inhale of fresh, salty air, your brain immediately benefits. There are negative ions in ocean air produced by water molecules, and these have the ability to calm your mind.
Negative ions have been found to reduce depressive symptoms. Negatively ionized air also has been found to combat symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) effectively.
3. Sand Stimulates Your Mind
Your feet contain numerous nerve endings and acupuncture points that allow you to calm your mind through your feet. The earth is negatively charged, like the salty air, so by walking through the sand, you get the same calming effects for your brain.
Walking barefoot through sand produces a tingling effect as a result of being grounded to the earth. Feeling grounded makes you feel calm and also supports a healthy brain.
4. Social Benefits
When you are surrounded by the chaos of urban life, it can be easy to forget to make time for connections. Getting to the beach with family and friends removes all distractions and allows you to re-connect.
Social connection is important to your mental well-being, and spending quality time at the beach can reinforce relationship bonds. It is easy to get swept up in your busy life, so make the time to get to the beach with your loved ones, and it will seem like a mini vacation for you all.
Beach Benefits for Your Body
Beyond benefiting your mind, being at the beach has been proven to benefit your physical health too.
5. Salty Solutions
Soaking in salt water is great for your joints and muscles. The ocean water can help to heal any scrapes and cuts as well as gently exfoliate your skin too.
Walking along the sand is also a great way to naturally exfoliate your feet and give them a well-deserved massage.
6. Exercise
Walking, in general, is excellent for your health. It can help support a healthy weight and promotes cardiovascular health too. Walking in the sand provides natural resistance, so you get a better workout than when you walk down your street. Plus, the fresh air and beautiful scenery is motivation enough to make walking on the beach something to look forward to.
In addition to walking, playing, or swimming in the waves is a great workout. Grab a paddleboard or develop your own ocean aquatic routine, and switch things up from the usual gym workouts.
7. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for your bone health, as it assists with the absorption of calcium. It also helps your body to absorb other essential nutrients such as magnesium and phosphorus.
Instead of supplements, take a trip to the beach and soak up the vitamin D delivered through the sun. Vitamin D is synthesized in your skin, so basking in the glow of the warm rays stimulates the production of this essential vitamin.
8. Get Your Sleep
Taking a nap at the beach is proven to give you a deep and restful sleep. Sleep deprivation is a common problem in today’s fast-paced world, so it is important to catch up on missed sleep.
Bring a blanket to lie on, and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves. The soothing sounds mixed with the refreshing air will help you fall asleep easily and get a much-needed rest.
| Related: 8 Foods You Should Be Eating for a Great Night's Sleep |
The Bottom Line
Today is driven by technology, and we are all guilty of having some form of screen in our face during the day. Whether it’s the computer at work, the tablet at home, a laptop, or a smartphone in our pocket, our lives are dictated by technology. This can be unhealthy, so it is important to get away and unplug.
Getting away to the beach gets you back to nature and the earth, thus giving you a natural technology detox, which we could all benefit from.
Whether you live near the beach or like to visit it often, there are numerous advantages to getting in the sand as often as possible: promote brain health, heart health, a healthy mood, and feel better.
Whether you need a break from life, or just enjoy the outdoors, head to the beach. The salty air, soft sand, and crashing waves will soothe and restore you, and science approves.
