Looking for an excuse to go to the beach this summer? Pack your swim suit and sunglasses!  It’s good for your health!  Learn why the beach is good for you, health benefits of being at the beach, and more!

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“The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen

Everyone knows that the beach is relaxing.  But did you know that there are scientifically proven health benefits from going to the beach?  That’s right– you now have a legitimate excuse to go to the beach this summer courtesy of science.

Going to the beach has specific proven health benefits for your brain, body, and spirit.  And, just in case this all sounds too good to be true, here’s the full list of health benefits you can experience from the beach!

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Why the beach is good for you

Let’s start with an overview of why the beach is good for you!  When you’re at the beach, you’re outside and active.  Just being at the beach can put a smile on your face with all that sunshine.

Among other good things about the beach, it’s generally associated with unwinding, relaxation, and vacation.  Being at the beach could also include interacting socially, unplugging from electronic devices, and being more present to the beauty of nature.  All of these activities improve our health!

Physical Health Benefits of the Beach

Now that we’ve explored some general good things about the beach, let’s delve deeper into specific physical health benefits of the beach.  For starters, being at the beach means more time in the sun.  The sun is the best source of Vitamin D, an essential nutrient that regulates insulin, boosts the immune system, supports lung and heart health, maintains healthy bones, reduces pain, and more.  Humans NEED Vitamin D to feel good, yet Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common.  You can solve that problem with a trip to the beach!  Just remember to protect your skin with sunscreen.

Another healing benefit of the beach is that it helps you get a better night’s sleep!  The beach is proven to relieve 3 key factors that can disrupt sleep: high stress levels, lack of physical fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.  When you’re on the beach you’ll naturally exercise more (yes– walking on the beach is good for you!) and your body will re-balance itself using the natural elements of sun and salt water. Just one of the many awesome health benefits of going to the beach!

Mental Health Benefits of the Beach

Does the beach relieve stress? Absolutely! Water is considered one of nature’s best cures for everyday stress.  Sea water is filled with positive ions that are known to make you feel at ease.  Also, the sunshine and fresh air you get at the beach encourage serotonin production, a key hormone involved in feeling happy and relaxed.

Another mental health benefit of the beach is a boost in creativity!  The stresses and pressures of everyday life tend to block creativity.  When we connect with nature, we experience a level of peace and well-being that helps creative thought to flow.

Spiritual Benefits of the Beach

The connection between the ocean and spirtuality has been noted for centuries.  As humans, we have an innate desire to be surrounded by nature.  As such, there are many spiritual benefits associated with going to the beach.

Grounding, otherwise known as walking barefoot, has been scientifically proven to offer stimulating benefits to the mind, body, and spirit.  Our feet contain a large network of nerves and accupressure points that are stimulated by free ions when walking on the beach. The earth is negatively charged, so when you walk barefoot you’re automatically connecting to its energy supply.  In other words, walking on the beach is good for you!

How the Beach Benefits Your Brain

Can going to the beach really benefit your brain? YES– according to science!  Listening to the crashing waves on the beach has a calming effect on the brain, which can put you into a more meditative state (this 10 Minute Guided Breathing Meditation has a similar calming effect on the brain).  The color blue also conveys a sense of peace and serenity. Even the smell of the ocean mist is scientifically proven to calm your brain because of the negative ions in the air.

Benefits of Ocean Water

So now that we’ve explored the specific benefits of the beach, let’s talk ocean water!  What are the benefits of the ocean?  Is going to the beach good for your skin?  Sea water is actually very healing and provides numerous benefits for your skin, hair, and joints!  Soaking in salt water is extremely therapeutic for sore muscles and joints (you can acheieve similar results at home with an epsom salt bath).  Sea salt is filled with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which give your skin that healthy glow.  Salt water naturally exfoliates and purifies, which is another amazing benefit of beach water on skin.

And what about sea water benefits for hair? Not only will going in the ocean give you that highly coveted “beach waves” look, but also the naturally occuring minerals in salt water will soothe your scalp and help your hair stay healthy.

I hope you enjoyed learning about why the beach is good for you! Now stop reading and go plan that beach trip!  It’s one of the best things you can do for your health this summer. Enjoy! 😎

Sources: Listen to Science: These are the Health Benefits of the Beach, What are the Benefits of Walking Barefoot on the Beach, 5 Surprising Beauty Benefits of Salt Water, How the Beach Benefits Your Brain, According to Science, Why Science Supports a Beach Day for Brain and Mental Health Benefits, 10 Health Benefits of Hitting the Beach

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