Sandy toes and salty air heal the soul. Beach vacations reset and rejuvenate you, allowing your body to naturally improve your mental and physical health. However, did you know spending time at the beach is packed with health benefits? Let go of any excuse you have not to take the time to go to the beach because science is on your side.

The Science Behind Going to the Beach

The scent of the air, sand beneath your feet, and the soft breeze of the ocean or gulf are more than what it seems. J. Aron Hipp, Ph.D., researched the stimulating environment of the beach found beaches and waterfront preserves or parks provide more therapeutic benefits than the gym, entertainment, and city areas offer. Dr. Hipp suggests that certain times of the day are more relaxing than others. For example, moderate temperatures and low tides can increase mental and physical health benefits. The beach also is where you can experience blue space.

Blue Space

Think of how you feel after spending a day at the beach. Do you feel relaxed and calm? Often feelings of depression, stress, or anxiety disappear. Your mental health improves because spending time at the beach creates a change in your brain, resulting in increased happiness, energy, and calmness. The fresh air, breeze, sand, and the relaxing sound of the waves crashing affect the brain’s chemistry. The article Coastal proximity, health, and well-being: Results from a longitudinal panel survey found a decrease in harmful feelings occurs because of the combination of the water and the sky. The combination of water and sky is called “blue space.” The atmosphere, sky, and water have a hypnotic effect on your body and mind.

Physical Benefits

The ocean, gulf, or any other body of water can release stress because water hydrates your body. When you are dehydrated, you may experience anxiety. Water can make you feel calm. Whether you go into the water or dip your toes, the effect of water is excellent. Saltwater has high levels of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iodine. Each of these minerals can aid your body in fighting off infection, help heal your body, and detoxify your skin. The effects of iodine are also beneficial. Iodine can boost your thyroid’s functioning, supporting your immune system. When your iodine levels are proper, your brain and body have increased energy and metabolic rates.

An added effect of seawater is that it increases the circulation of blood. Any amount of time spent in the water opens your skin’s pores which restore minerals depleted by anxiety, stress, poor nutrition, and the environment. Any wounds, acne, or skin conditions can either improve or heal. The air at the beach contains its health benefits. When you inhale the air, you breathe in negatively charged ions. These ions attach themselves to your lungs, increasing your immune system.

Mental Health Benefits

The combination of sea air and sunshine can also increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is responsible for your feelings of happiness. Nutrition educator, M. Nathaniel Mead, found the effects of the beach increase your feelings of relaxation and peace. Spending time in the sun increases your level of Vitamin D. A lack of vitamin D can cause many physical and mental health issues, including:

• Depression
• Insomnia
• Chronic Pain

Sunshine combined with sea air can not only reduce your stress level but also help you achieve a healthy chemical balance.

Most people wear sunscreen when they are in the sun. Most sunscreens block the UVB rays that produce vitamin D. For this reason, many doctors recommend you follow the rules of responsible sun exposure. Try to avoid being in the sun between 12 pm and 3 pm. If you are in the sun for more than 30 minutes, apply natural sunscreen.

Grounding

A walk on the beach provides physical and mental health benefits. The physical health benefits include increased energy used to help you walk or run, increased muscle strength, and protecting your joints. Fun fact: the soles of your feet have more sweat glands and nerve endings than other parts of your body. What does this mean? When you walk barefoot in the sand, you are massaging and stimulating your nerve-endings.

The act of walking barefoot also creates a connection with the earth. The bond created results in an elevation in your mood.

Creativity 

When you go to the beach, the blue space effect promotes your brain’s ability to rid itself of obstacles and negative thinking. The beach is nature’s form of meditation because you can clear your mind, focus on the moment, and allow your brain to wander.

Your everyday life can increase your level of cortisol, a hormone that is released when you’re stressed. Once the relaxing effects of the beach take effect, though, the simple act of clearing your mind can result in breakthrough ideas.

The beach is a perfect answer for most physical and mental health ailments. The time you spend taking in the sights, sounds, and water can decrease the symptoms associated with mental or physical health disorders. As a result, the chemical change in your brain can reduce an urge to use a substance or think harmful thoughts. Salty air and sandy toes are more than a slogan for those who live the salty life. It is a prescription for your well-being. The Kimberly Center embraces beach life. We understand a part of adopting a healthy lifestyle includes activities that promote your well-being.  Our location in Fort Myers is close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caloosahatchee River. Our staff encourages and supports your journey to physical and mental well-being, and our commitment to assisting you in finding your path to recovery includes residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient, or sober living programs. To learn more, call (855) 452-3683.