Why is the beach good for your mental health?

No one disagrees that the beach can be a refreshing place that makes you feel better no matter how long you stay. Most people associate the beach with relaxation and happiness. Some studies show that even short walks along the beach can improve your mood and affect your mental health. In this article we show some of the effects of the beach on mental health.

Beach of blue spaces such as oceans, swimming pools, rivers and clear lakes and exposure to blue spaces is associated with improved health in general, and mental health in particular. Being near glaucoma can improve your overall health and provide various mental and physical health benefits. Because of the many benefits of being near water, health experts have begun to recommend approaching bodies of water to improve mental health. In fact, the beach affects your mental health in the following ways:

Change scenery:

Some studies show that trying your senses of the same things over and over again can cause stress. So when you change place and go to the beach, your five senses engage in new sights, smells, tastes, sounds and touches. This can improve your mental state and increase feelings of relaxation.

Relaxing on the beach helps reduce stress:

Being in nature in general, a place where you feel safe, can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. Similarly, spending time on the beach can reduce anxiety and excitation of the nervous system. The beach provides space for both children and adults to engage in physical activity while in nature, but primarily offers the opportunity to enjoy and de-stress. Being able to relax and postpone other tasks for a few hours is one of the reasons why people look forward to going to the beach. Interestingly, research already supports this! When you're on the beach, running on the sand or going swimming, your brain gets a chance to de-stress because you enjoy and interact with nature.

Improving the general mood:

Spending time at the beach increases your self-esteem and promotes relaxation. People with attention deficit disorder can feel calm on the beach. Getting some physical activity, such as fishing, collecting shells, or just walking along the beach, can make you feel happy. The beach can have lasting benefits for people with anxiety, depression, high stress, and other mental health conditions. Spending just 20 minutes walking along the beach pulls negative energy from the body and boosts mood.

Social interactions:

The beach is the perfect place to connect with others; there are plenty of sports activities to take part in on the beach. Whether you're a skilled player or not, you can join a game of volleyball, football, badminton or kicking the ball while on the beach. Engaging in these sports gives you time to interact and connect with others, and perhaps even make new friends.

Mindfulness practice:

The beach is a great place to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques include listening to ocean waves, or the laughter of others, and this supports alpha waves associated with concentration. Feeling the wind breeze or coarse sand on your toes, and water and sun on your skin supports clarity of mind and creative thinking. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the beach where the blue waters meet the blue sky.

Why?

It's true that heading to the beach is a no-brainer for most people, especially when the sun is shining and the weather is warm. But what makes the beach an excellent place for mental health? The answer is three words: sun, air and water. These natural elements offer some form of mental health benefits that help the mind relax.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D can help improve your mood and help maintain healthy bones and a strong immune system. One source of vitamin D is sun exposure. On the other hand, the sun can help increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood functioning.

Warning: Do not stay in the sun for too long as too much sun exposure can negatively affect the body and skin. But as long as measures are taken to protect the skin (by applying some sunscreen), spending a few hours at the beach can provide just the right amount of sunlight you need.

Fresh Air:

Fresh air is generally beneficial for the mind and body. Researchers have discovered that participating in outdoor activities has a greater impact on mental health than doing those activities indoors. Another research study surveyed university students, with many respondents citing nature and leisure time as vital contributors to their well-being and physical and mental health. Being in nature makes them feel happier, allowing people to associate nature with positive emotions such as calm, peace and relaxation, they said. Even doing the simplest business abroad can make you feel good. By taking a deep breath or taking time for moderate jogging, you can reap the benefits of nature. Maybe you can also bring your own yoga mat and do your usual meditation outside, or bring your laptop and work on the beach to make a nice change of scenery.

Water:

Going down into and moving in the water stimulates blood circulation and makes you feel less isolated. Magnesium-rich seawater also helps in muscle rest, reduces stress and a sense of relaxation, thus getting rid of life stress, and improves sleep quality.

Whether your goal is to tan, feel the sand between your toes, or swim in the cold sea water, the beach can find a way to put a smile on your face. Enjoying all this with your loved ones makes this experience even more wonderful. So, if you're looking to spend time outdoors and improve your mood a bit, consider taking a trip to the beach.