We already know that living in the countryside is fantastic for your mental health, with green spaces often seen as de-stressing environments that have a positive impact on your wellbeing.. Sunshine itself has been shown to make us happier, while the connection with nature also has a positive effect on those suffering from depression and anxiety. There's actual science behind the fact spending time by the beach is good for both your mental and physical health. With an average water temperature of six degrees celsius, every step forward brings pain and numbness to a new, reluctant part of my body. Beach benefits Findings have suggested that immersing yourself in natural water in the open air is particularly good for positive mental wellbeing. In 2012, a University of Exeter study found that simply living within close proximity to a beach improves one’s health and wellbeing. As my mind reached a meditative state, I could not help but hear a sound similar to that of waves crashing gently on the beach. Sea waves relax our mind and body According to research, the sound of the waves changes the wave patterns in our brain lulling us into a deeply tranquil state. Rhiannon is passionate about her family, mental health awareness, writing and teaching. Although few people deny the importance of brain health, most of us don't focus as much effort on taking care of our brains as we do our bodies. The result is one that many of us feel as soon as we kick off our shoes. Beaches are calming and give you the feeling of being reconnected with nature. The reason is that our feet contain a rich network of nerves and acupuncture points. A lot of studies have been done showing that for some people, Negative Ion Therapy, or simply going to the beach, can be the best treatment for these mental health problems. As early as 1932, American research engineer Dr. Clarence Hansell noticed that the mood of one of his colleagues fluctuated in response to the type of ions – cheerful when subjected to positive ions and gloomy when subjected to negative ones. Builds Muscle Aside from aesthetic beauty, the beach actually boosts our physical and mental health. Yet, recent studies prove that a beach-type environment can have a profound impact on our brains and mental health. Health benefits of the beach reduces stress levels and makes us happier and more creative. While it may be unreasonable for some of us to uproot and move to a beach town, prioritizing getting outdoors and connecting with the earth will still help you stay mentally fit. This is one reason why being at the beach have been linked, by scientists to positive mental energy and a general overall sense of health and well-being. According to Richard Shuster, PsyD, clinical psychologist, he agrees that blue has a profound calming effect on people. About 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure does the trick for most people, after which … lifestyle; health; Go to the beach — it’s good for your physical and mental health, scientists declare. "It's like they're saying: "Don't worry, don't worry, don't worry." When you first step out on the sand and allow your lungs to be filled with salty misty air, your brain may be receiving instant benefits. These are the proven health benefits of going to the beach. Did you know that a beach lifestyle can also impact the state of your physical and mental health for the better? Will be used in accordance with our privacy policy. Share your comments below. The 12th annual Fine Art Festival is set to take place August 12th & 13th at Liberty Station in San Diego. Yet, recent studies prove that a beach-type environment can have a profound impact on our brains and mental health. While it may be unreasonable for some of us to uproot and move to a beach town, prioritizing getting outdoors and connecting with the earth will still help you stay mentally fit. 5 Health Benefits of Living At the Beach. Subsequent studies have found that the act of negatively ionized air -- the kind you receive when you get outside for a gulp of fresh air -- can alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The Health Benefits of the Sea: Reasons to Spend More Time By the Ocean . The color blue, for instance, is often used in marketing material to convey a sense of calmness. Sea air helps you sleep better Mental Health . The Mental Health Benefits of Art. Our feet are able to absorb free ions on the earth surface in much the same way that our lungs are able to absorb ions in the air. The combination of sunshine and the relaxing environment of the beach can directly affect our moods. There’s lots of research to suggest that spending time by the coast can boost your overall mental health too. Some research has also found that those who live closer to the coast report higher levels of good health and wellbeing, though it’s not clear if this is definitely down to being by the sea. The research, published in this month’s issue of Health & Place, found that living in a residence with a view of the ocean was associated with improved mental health. The negative ions in salt air also lift the emotional state of those who are depressed and suffering from mood disorders. "There are all these cognitive and emotional benefits that we derive every time we spend time by water" said Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and best-selling author of the Blue Mind. But you may get even more benefit from your exercise by ditching the gym and taking a jog by the ocean or a swim in the lake instead. The negative ions (oxygen ions with an extra electron attached, produced via water molecules) in the ocean air can actually help calm your brain. The relaxing and calm atmosphere of the beach, i.e., the vast stretches of water and/or sky, is now being dubbed “blue space.” Fresh air, warm breezes, soft sand, and the calming sounds of waves crashing are now thought to have a profound effect on the brain. You don't need to join a gym to use pool facilities, but can just head on down to the beach for no cost at all. The Global Healing Center advises individuals to actually surround themselves in blue as a way to reduce stress. Yet, recent studies prove that a beach-type environment can have a profound impact on our brains and mental health. Did you know, a vacation to the beach is healthy? The sea really does help improve mental health, so if you don’t live on the coast, maybe it’s time to start thinking about booking a holiday. Having grown up near the beach, I always classified my happiness on the beach as no more than nostalgia. The sound of waves can help you achieve a meditative state, which is proven to heal and strengthen your brain. For it's MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque defended the move to fill Manila Bay with artificial white sand, noting this could boost the public's mental health in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. “These slow, whooshing noises are the sounds of non-threats, which is why they work to calm people,” says Orfeu Buxton, an associate professor of biobehavioral health at Pennsylvania State University. Minerals in sea air reduce stress. ... park or on the sand at the beach. The misnomer that physical fitness trumps mental health is at our detriment. The sound of the waves crashing on the beach also contributes to the strengthening and healing of the brain. Are you thinking of moving to the beach? How the Beach Benefits Your Brain, According to Science Recent studies show that the beach is one of the best places to alleviate stress and heal your brain. “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state,” says Shuster. The earth is negatively charged, so when you walk barefoot, you’re connecting your body to a negatively charged supply of energy. But, a new study has emerged just in time for summer outlining the positive effects of specifically spending time at the beach. ), there are interesting psychological benefits. Nothing to do except soak up the sun and play in the water while reading a good book and hanging out with your favorite people. The Global Healing Center advises individuals to actually surround themselves in blue as a way to reduce stress. Spending time on the beach can be very useful for your physical and mental health. The Mental Health Benefits of Art ArtWalk for Everyone! Beach benefits Findings have suggested that immersing yourself in natural water in the open air is particularly good for positive mental wellbeing. These Are the Health Benefits of the Beach . The misnomer that physical fitness trumps mental health is at our detriment. There are psychological benefits to water, especially oceans. In the world, there are many beaches which have incredible beauty. According to scientific studies, being by the sea has a positive impact on mental health. So check out these 10 health benefits of hitting the beach! Beach vacation: 10 health benefits of a beach holiday – Vacation to the beach often used as an option for many people. Our feet are able to absorb free ions on the earth surface in much the same way that our lungs are able to absorb ions in the air. The reality is that we need balance, both mentally and physically. Cold Comfort: One brave Kiwi discovers the mental health benefits of cold water swimming - during a UK winter. Being near to the ocean greatly affects mental wellbeing. Rhiannon is passionate about her family, mental health awareness, writing and teaching. Here are some of the many physical, emotional, and mental benefits of surfing:. File photo. It’s deeply personal but it’s also strong science.”. Walking barefoot on the beach can trigger tingling warm sensations produced as a result of us "grounding" to earth. profound impact on our brains and mental health. 'Beach Brain' integrates the mental and physical benefits of what we have come to appreciate about spending time at the beach, and provides a specific pathway for reaching that same state of mind and body, even when we’re stuck in the office. Since sunscreens block the vital UVB rays needed for Vitamin D production within the body, most doctors advocate "responsible sun exposure" to get what you need. Blue space relieves stress, promote creativity, and many more health benefits. Beach Benefits: Oceanside Living Is Good for Health By Tanya Lewis 27 June 2013 People who live close to the coast have greater well-being than people who live inland, studies show. The negative ions (oxygen ions with an extra electron attached, produced via water molecules) in the ocean air can actually help calm your brain. The number one benefit for hitting the beach is stress relief. Surfing is more than just a fun way to pass the time for beach bums and risk takers–it’s a challenging activity with incredible benefits. The reality is that we need balance, both mentally and physically. Last Updated on Jun 25, 2019. The misnomer that physical fitness trumps mental health is at our detriment. It's deeply personal but it's also strong science.". Rees says support for the idea of “blue” or “green” prescriptions for individuals is growing. When were relaxed, our mind and body rejuvenates. The earth is negatively charged, so when you walk barefoot, you're connecting your body to a negatively charged supply of energy. Clear the mental clutter There’s something magical about spending a little time on the beach. You bet! Banyan Mental Health specializes in treating mood and thought disorders, including: We know most jobs already offer vacation time, but considering these specific health benefits of the beach, maybe it's time they carved out days for their employees to spend in the sun and sand. If you are someone who prefers spending time indoors instead of frolicking in the sun and sandy waves, neuroscience would tell you otherwise. As much as we’d happily set up residence beachside on a Hawaiian island, you don’t actually have to live by the water to reap the benefits. Physically and mentally, there are many health benefits gained by going to the beach as a family. 1 happiest and healthiest state in America, according to the annual Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. They also balance levels of serotonin; a chemical produced by the body that is related to mood and stress. Nature in general has always been a factor in healthy happy lives, but the beach in particular is so good for the soul. Some research has also found that those who live closer to the coast report higher levels of good health and wellbeing, though it’s not clear if this is definitely down to being by the sea. A day at the beach makes us feel relaxed. It's almost too obvious, and often gets overlooked, but the health and neurological benefits of visiting the beach are very real and very important. Although few people deny the importance of brain health, most of us don’t focus as much effort on taking care of our brains as we do our bodies. Natural Anti-Depressant. You may instinctively feel the benefits of a day at the beach or a weekend wilderness jaunt, but is there any real evidence that being outdoors is good for your mental health? Several different studies show that a trip to the water is good for us, with health benefits of the beach being reduced stress levels and making us happier and more creative. As you sit on the beach listening to the roar of the waves, feeling the ocean breeze blow through your hair and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin, you feel wonderful. But a day by the shore is more than just a good time; there are also surprising health benefits to going to the beach. The ocean can have such a positive impact on a human’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. REVEALED: The mental health benefits of living by the seaside LIVING by the seaside boosts mental health, makes people happier and more relaxed, according to new research. Going to the beach relieves stress. 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