by Summer has arrived and with it the heat. And even on vacation, weekends with a towel in hand, sunscreen and water in your backpack on your way to the nearest beach are a comfort. What many of us do not associate with these moments of leisure are the enormous benefits that a trip to the beach can have on our health. Then let’s see:
We relax and sleep better
Scientific studies have multiplied showing that people who live with greater exposure to the sun tend to feel happier. Moderate and protected exposure to the sun is beneficial, it helps to accelerate the production of endorphins, causing a natural feeling of well-being. Walking on the beach, and enjoying the sea breeze are simple things that can help reduce stress, and anxiety and help fight depression.
Improves joints and strengthens muscles
Walks by the sea are very beneficial for the joints of the feet, knees and hips, as well as strengthening the muscles of the legs and buttocks. Entering the sea is good for your muscles, even if you don’t even move much. Just the fact that the waves hit your legs is enough to relax.
Strengthens the immune system
Mineral salts and vitamins from the marine environment are essential for strengthening our body’s immune system. Both are easily absorbed by the skin when swimming or even when taking a walk along the seashore. In addition, and once again we return to the very special properties of sea water, there are studies that conclude that continuous exposure to cold water improves the activation of the immune system.
Fights allergies and improves the respiratory system
The sea breeze, being a carrier of substances dissolved in very small droplets of sea water, acts as a kind of aerosol or natural spray and has very positive effects on various respiratory diseases. This is one of the reasons why people suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems are so often advised to go to the beach.
Improves the functof the organism
Lungs, muscles, bones… The body as a whole benefits from the chlorine, sodium, magnesium, potassium and iodine present in sea water. As you can see, there are many good reasons to leave the computer behind and go to the beach. Lay out your towel and enjoy the sun, always in moderation. Or, if you prefer, go for a walk first thing in the morning or later in the day. Make the most of your time, take care of yourself, your health and well-being.
THE BENEFITS OF THE BEACH SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN
The feeling I have when I arrive at the beach and face the sea is one of humility. I feel so small next to the immensity of water and at the same time, so grateful for it allowing me to cool off the hot day. I even like to sit and read a book. Calms me down!
My connection with the sea is very strong. It’s the place where I feel completely at peace and disconnect from everything around me. I love watching the sea, all its strength, each wave being unique. Inexplicable feeling, comments Felipe Altran, 34 years old, administrator.
My relationship with the sea is very intense. Probably, if I were an animal, I would be marine. When I’m not in contact with the beach, it’s like I’m trapped in an aquarium: no water, no fish, no life. Being connected to the sound of the waves, being able to walk on the sand, feel the early morning or late afternoon breeze, contemplate the sun, all of this is practicing therapy.”, comments Suzy Aparecida 56, a lawyer.
Probably, you also feel very good being in contact with the sea, don’t you? In recent times, scientists have begun to look at the ocean’s health benefits experimentally.
Lora Fleming from the University of Exeter in England says the idea that the beach helps our health is well established. Doctors in the 18th century often prescribed trips to the ocean to visit “bathing hospitals”. Bath hospitals were specially designed clinics that offered salt water bath treatments.
YOUR BRAIN’S PREFRONTAL CORTEX IS ACTIVATED
The prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with emotion and self-reflection (as well as other functions) is activated when ocean sounds are played. This has been proven through research by scientists with study participants who were exposed to ocean sounds and noises.OCEAN WAVES GENERATE NEGATIVE IONS
The peaceful feeing we get at the beach could be a result of molecular changes in our bodies. Ocean waves produce negative ions. Negative particles speed up our body’s capacity to ingest oxygen. They likewise balance serotonin levels a compound delivered by the body that is connected with temperament and stress. This is one of the reasons why being at the beach has been linked by scientists to positive mental energy and a general sense of health and well-being. It might even make us sleep better.
LEVELS OF STRESS HORMONE, CORTISOL, DECREASE
The reason beaches have such a calming effect on us could be because of the sound of the waves. The most relaxing or pleasant sounds to listen to are those that have predictable wave patterns. The sound should also be smooth in volume and harmonic frequencies at regular intervals. Ocean waves are like that. Regular and smooth to hear. Ocean noise is likely to trigger deep memories or feelings of relaxation and security.
Some people might even say that they remember their mother’s womb and heartbeat. There is a stress hormone called cortisol. Some noises such as traffic and airplane noise can trigger it. At the point when this chemical is delivered, medical conditions, for example, ulcers and coronary illness can happen. In this way, the ocean can have a positive effect on our overall health and prevent potential health problems.
