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We all try to find an excuse to head out to the beach for the day. But what better excuse to go soak up the sun than saying that the beach is beneficial for your health!? Science actually suggests the surf and sand does the mind and body good.
According to an analysis of English census data published in the journal Health Place, people who live by the coast report better physical and mental health than those who don’t. In another study published in the Journal of Coastal Zone Management, participants who live in homes with ocean views report feeling calmer than those without them. Unsurprisingly, Hawaii has earned the ranking of the happiest state in the U.S. by the annual Gallup poll six times since 2008.
But how is the beach a source of happiness and health? According to clinical psychologist, Richard Shuster, simply staring at the ocean changes people’s brain wave frequency. The color blue can be associated with feelings of calm and peace, so just by looking out at the ocean can put you into a mild meditative state. A study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s journal found that the color blue can even boost levels of creativity.
One of the best parts of going to the beach is closing your eyes and hearing the constant soothing sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. Shuster explains that this noise de-stimulates the brain. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of slowing our bodies down and allowing us to feel relaxed and more engaged.
Another sense that contributes to relaxation on the beach is our sense of smell. The ocean breeze carries an extra electron and occurs in places like waterfalls and the ocean. This results in a negative ion therapy that could be used to treat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Simply sticking your feet into the warm sand causes people to relax as well.
Shuster does point out that there is a bit of a placebo effect when associating relaxation with the beach. We have been conditioned to think of the beach as a relaxing and peaceful place, which can be portrayed in many tv shows and movies.
How can you still maintain a relaxed state without living by the beach? They key to tranquility is mindfulness. A study published in the journal Psychiatry Research found that those who complete an eight week meditation course have less stress. The part of the brain responsible for stress during meditation shrinks, meaning that we become more resilient to handling stress. In addition, the parts of the brain that are responsible for memory, reasoning and empathy grow.
To reach your most relaxed state at the beach, it’s important to put away your phone to disconnect from the fast pace world and focus more on all of your senses. Feeling the warm rays hit your skin, the sand between your toes, smelling the salty air, and hearing the crashing waves all around you can bring you to a state of pure peace. So go visit your closest beach and find your happy place. We all deserve to kick back in a beach chair and relax every once in awhile. And don’t forget your sunscreen!