Surprising Benefits of Visiting the Beach for Your Mental and Physical Health

There is probably no other place more closely associated with the idea of relaxation, stress and carefree moments than the beach. Indeed, most tour firms have utilized images of happy families and couples lounging on the beach to attract potential clients done with the drudgery of the day-to-day office work. This paper aims at taking a closer and more specific look at the benefits that the beach offers to visitors, whether it's through the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore, the warm sun kissing your skin, or even the opportunity to connect with loved ones through video chat, allowing you to share the tranquil beauty of the beach in real-time with those who couldn't join you physically.

Beach Benefits with Regard to Mental & Physical Health

1. It’s a change of scenery

Some studies show that your senses experiencing the same thing over and over again can cause stress. When you change your setting and go to the beach, your senses are engaged in new sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. This can improve your mental state and increase feelings of relaxation.

2. It improves overall well-being

Getting exposure to the sun and ocean air is great for your mental health. “Surf therapy” is shown to boost your overall mood. Getting in the water and moving around increases mindfulness and allows you to get some physical activity.

3. It lowers stress

Being in nature, a place you feel safe, can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. Likewise, spending time at the beach can lessen anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious.

4. You get the benefits of vitamin D

A good dose of vitamin D is necessary for everyone, and the natural way to get it is from sunlight. Spend some time at the beach during the day, and you're bound to soak up some vitamin D. There are lots of health benefits that come from this nutrient: it may help boost your immune system.

5. The sea water can reduce symptoms of arthritis

Spending some time in the ocean water may help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. One study found that patients who used bath salts from Dead Sea minerals experienced fewer symptoms, such as reduced morning stiffness. This is because salt water dehydrates inflamed cells in the body, which in turn reduces inflammation. Salt can be absorbed into the skin as you soak in the water, reducing swelling and pain.

6. Happiness

Whether it is the Florida Keys, Gulf Coast, Bali, or a secluded cove off the coast of Greece, one thing beaches have in common (apart from the obvious) is happiness. Based on just observation, you will notice that people always seem happier at the beach. Surveys also confirm this – an annual Gallup poll showed Hawaii (with its bevy of beaches) winning the title of happiest U.S. state six times between 2008 and 2018.

7. Ocean water can preserve skin elasticity!

As we age our skin, tends to lose its tightness. Ocean water has been shown to be full of anti-aging minerals that can help counter the decline of your skin’s elasticity. With that in mind, treating your body to a little bit of ocean water here and there can help keep your skin looking young and vibrant without resorting to expensive, more invasive procedures such as plastic surgery or botox injections.

8. You’re more likely to exercise at the beach!

Going to the beach almost always involves some form of physical activity serving as a great way to get some exercise in. Swimming, running, surfing, jogging, soccer, beach volleyball, or even simply walking the sandy shores are great ways to get out there and fit in some exercise.

9. Sea Water Helps Fight Liver and Kidney Problems

Ocean water accelerates the process of cell regeneration, especially for those damaged by diseases such as cirrhosis. It also helps eliminate the excess water accumulated in the abdomen that occurs due to the disease. Sea Water Prevents Insomnia and Reduces Depressive Symptoms. Because it helps normalize blood pressure and treats nervousness, a day at the beach will help you sleep better and naturally boost your mood.

Conclusion

Not only is the beach fun for people of all ages, it is also a great location to get active. Simply walking along the shore is a great activity, as the loose sand requires greater effort to walk along than a hard surface. Whether you wish to enjoy a relaxing morning of yoga at sunrise, throw a football with a friend, hit the beach for a jog or take a dip in the ocean, there are plenty of ways to get exercise on the beach. Beach activities are perfect for people of varying activity levels who want to have fun and relax while they get moving!