Growing up on Florida's East coast, I was blessed with easy access to beautiful beaches. It became such a place of peace for me that when I moved only an hour away for school, even that felt too far away. I constantly find myself craving the sound of crashing waves and the feelings of salty skin and beachy hair. Well, after a bit of research, it turns out there are some reasons for that craving: The ocean has some incredible health benefits.
In case you ever needed a medical excuse to hit the beach, I have six of them for you.
1. Breathe better.
I like to call the beach nature's Neti Pot. Saltwater clears out congestion like a charm, so if you're ever stuffed up, just spend some time in the ocean. Plus, ocean air has been proven by the Lung Institute to act as a source of healing for all types of ailments, including certain lung diseases.
2. Show your skin some love.
The ocean is full of anti-aging minerals that can help maintain your skin's elasticity. Plus, by simply taking a walk on the beach, you can naturally exfoliate your skin, which will keep it feeling clean, healthy and rejuvenated. Just be sure you're using sunscreen to avoid the sun's harsh UVB rays.
3. Get moving.
And speaking of taking walks on the beach, spending some time at the beach is a great way to get in a good workout. Whether you're swimming, surfing, or playing soccer or volleyball in the sand, a day at the beach can burn some serious calories. That hike over the dunes lugging a cooler, chair, bag and whatever else is a killer workout. It's like a gym with a much better view.
4. Relieve stress.
There's a reason sleep machines use the sound of ocean waves: It's the most soothing sound in the world. In fact, listening to waves crash against the shore can actually lull you into a relaxed state, and may trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin. I can't imagine leaving the beach and feeling more stressed out than I was before I got there.
5. Get your Vitamin D.
You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D within just 10 minutes at the beach. Sometimes called the"sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D has been proven to boost your immune system, reduce the risk of diabetes, and strengthening bones.
6. Boost your mental health.
Being out in nature, surrounded by a massive ocean makes you feel tiny. Which is a great way to put life -- and your problems --into perspective. It's a great opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with yourself, reflect and just breathe. Sitting with your toes in the sand looking out on the blue ocean is sure to help your anxieties melt away.
I will always stand by my belief that a day at the beach heals all. So, what are you waiting for? Get out to the beach.
