The sounds of the waves, the sand between your toes, and all that sunshine. There’s nothing more relaxing than a beach day! But besides making you feel calm, there are loads of other health benefits of going to the beach. Here are some positive effects of being at the beach for your body and brain, and activities you can do while you’re there.
1. Makes You Happy
Searching for natural ways to boost your mood? Hit the beach! Sunshine has been shown to up your brain’s production of a hormone called serotonin that’s known for brightening your mood, helping you sleep better, and lowering stress. Yes, please! But what can you do if you can’t make it to the ocean? Looking at videos or photos of beaches can deliver some of the same benefits of spending time in nature
2. Keeps You Healthy
Beyond making you smile, catching some rays at the beach helps keep you healthier by creating Vitamin C when the sun hits your skin. One study found that our bodies take in Vitamin D best when it comes from UVB rays. So what are some of the Vitamin D benefits you can expect? Things like strong bones, healthy skin, and a good immune system.
Sounds great, right? And even though we get 80 to 90% of our daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun, all you need is 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected exposure. So, if you’re out for longer, make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen.
3. Helps You Relax
One of the most talked about health benefits of nature is lowering stress levels. In fact, you’ll feel the calming effects in just 15 minutes. While it’s no surprise that this definitely happens when you go to the beach, do you know why? We do!
For starters, putting your phone down and strolling along the shore will help you relax. Add in the rhythm of the waves that slows down your nervous systems, the blue hue of the water that’s been shown to put you in a meditative state, the smell of salt water that’s been found to calm your brain, and it’s the perfect recipe for relaxation!
Wondering how to deal with stress when you’re stuck inside? Bring the soothing sounds of crashing waves and squawking seagulls to you with a nature app or sound machine.
4. Detoxifies & Heals
Sea air not only smells amazing, but it’s amazing for the surrounding environment. We won’t get too technical, but it has negative ions that get rid of pollutants and allergens in the air. Need proof? Next time you’re at the beach, take a deep breath and you’ll immediately feel the cleansing effects. Sea water is also jam-packed with minerals like magnesium, iodine, and potassium, that have been found to help fight infections and reduce inflammation. So if you were on the fence about taking a dip, you totally should.
The Best Beach Activities For Dealing with Stress
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with just lounging on a beach towel or blanket. But if you’re looking to maximize the benefits listed above, try moving your body! Whether it’s swimming or running, doing yoga or strolling along the water, working out releases endorphins in your brain that will make you feel even more happy and relaxed.
There are so many “a-peeling” things about physical exfoliation, and we love the power it has to make your skin feel refreshed. Our St. Ives Board-Certified Dermatologist partner, Dr. Claire Wolinsky loves the benefits of physical exfoliation as much as we do, so we asked her to share the advantages of this important step in your skincare routine, all year round!
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Fact: Working out is a great way to burn off stress and boost your mood. That’s because exercise has been shown to lower cortisol levels (aka the body’s stress hormone) and release endorphins (the body’s happy hormone). And when you do it in a park, the woods, a beach or any natured-filled space, you get the added benefits of nature!
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How do you deal with stress? If you opt for exercise, meditation, yoga, or journaling you’re on the right track. But do these activities out in nature, and their stress-lowering benefits go to the next level. In fact, just 15 minutes with nature is proven to have a serious de-stress effect!
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Curious to know why we love nature so much? Because it has serious benefits and is seriously fun! From lowering stress levels to boosting your mood, keeping you healthier to helping you focus, it’s the cure-all we all need to tap into more.
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