Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the world
Not only does the ocean air benefit your mental health, but your physical health, too. Research has found that ocean air seemed to clear out the lungs of surfers who suffered from cystic fibrosis.
This means the beach can potentially provide various mental and physical health benefits.
Another study found that ocean air has therapeutic qualities that may help lung disease patients, too. However, more research is needed in this area.
Blue spaces, such as a water source like an ocean, lake, pond, or swimming pool, have been linked to overall improved health.
Feeling uninspired? Try heading to the beach. A 2011 study found that being at a beach can actually increase creativity.
Being at the beach usually means walking around barefoot. This gives you the chance to try grounding, which is walking barefoot in nature and connecting with the earth.
Being near water increases innovation and insight, leaving us more open to new ideas. This explains why many find the beach so inspiring.
While this is an under-researched topic in the scientific community, grounding is said to help improve chronic pain and fatigue. Doesn't hurt to try!
Research suggests that strong social ties are linked to a longer life, as it helps reduce stress and heart-related risks. So what are you waiting for? Call your friends and head to the beach!
Being at the beach means you're less likely to be staring at a screen, especially your computer or television.
Whether you're hanging out with family or friends, the beach is the perfect place to bond with others.
Studies have actually shown that your brain gets the chance to de-stress because you're having fun and engaging with nature.
Too much screen time has been shown to cause poor vision, poor sleep, back and neck pain, and impaired cognitive function. So a few hours at the beach will do you some good!
Research has found that being in nature makes people feel happy. We also associate nature with positive feelings like tranquility, peace, relaxation, and ease.
Fresh air is generally beneficial to both the mind and body. Even doing the simplest of acts outside can make you feel good.
The ability to relax and set aside other tasks for a few hours is one of the reasons people enjoy spending time at the beach.
Putting your feet in the soft, powdery sand isn't just good for your feet—it's also a natural exfoliant and can be used to shed dead skin.
Rubbing sand onto your skin opens your pores and lets them breathe, eliminating blackheads in the process. Talk about a natural remedy!
This is because salt water dehydrates inflamed cells in the body, which in turn reduces inflammation.
Indeed, spending some time in ocean water may help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
For example, a 2015 study from the UK found that people sleep on average 47 minutes longer the same night they've been to the beach, when compared with those who hadn't.
Since the beach is known to be soothing and calming, it's no surprise that it would actually help you sleep better.
Also, vitamin D helps maintain bone health and a robust immune system. So put on your sunblock and head to the beach!
Experts have found that moderate sunlight positively influences our mental well-being. This is because the sun increases our serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter involved in mood function.
Research shows that walking on the beach is a solid workout, since walking on sand requires greater effort than walking on a hard surface like concrete.
Whether you just want to work on your tan, or take a dip in the cool ocean water, the beach has many health benefits. But remember: too much sun can adversely affect the body. So do take the necessary precautions.
Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Redbook)
See also: Outsmart the sun: common sun safety myths and facts
Walking on sand also requires more energy than walking on a hard surface, even at the same speed.
The beach is a great place to practice mindfulness. Just imagine listening to the ocean’s waves while feeling the breeze of the wind, and water and sun on your skin.
Plus, you can also admire the beach’s scenic view as the ocean water meets the blue sky.
Beaches are some of the greatest and most enjoyable natural wonders our world has to offer. However, a day by the shore is more than just a good time; there are also surprising health benefits involved with going to the beach. So, what are the secret ingredients? Three words: water, sun, and air, which are all natural elements that offer some form of health benefit(s).
That said, what exactly are the health benefits of hitting the beach? Click on to find out!
The incredible health benefits of going to the beach
A day at the beach is more than just a fun activity
HEALTH Summer
Beaches are some of the greatest and most enjoyable natural wonders our world has to offer. However, a day by the shore is more than just a good time; there are also surprising health benefits involved with going to the beach. So, what are the secret ingredients? Three words: water, sun, and air, which are all natural elements that offer some form of health benefit(s).
That said, what exactly are the health benefits of hitting the beach? Click on to find out!