Five Big-Time Health Benefits of Spending Time at The Beach

My love of beaches and the ocean is no secret. My life and art career have evolved to focus on the tropical beaches of Florida and The Caribbean. Spending time near the beach and ocean can be a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you're swimming in the ocean, taking a walk along the beach, lounging in the sun, or creating a beach painting, there are numerous benefits to spending time near the water. Here are some of the top benefits of spending time near the beach and ocean:

1. Improved mood: The sound of gently breaking waves, fresh ocean air, and the "openness" of the horizon, can have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time near the ocean can boost levels of the mood-regulating hormone serotonin.
2. Increased physical activity: Spending time near the beach and ocean often involves physical activity, such as swimming, surfing, walking, or beach games. Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall fitness.
3. Better sleep: The sound of the waves and the cool ocean air can help to improve sleep quality. Why have a wave sound machine next to your bed when you can have the real thing. Studies have shown that people who live near the ocean tend to sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.
4. Improved skin health: Exposure to seawater can have numerous benefits for the skin, including improved hydration and increased circulation. The minerals found in seawater, such as magnesium and potassium, can also help to soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
5. Boosted immune system: The ocean air is filled with negative ions, which can help to improve mood and boost the immune system. Negative ions have been shown to increase levels of the mood-regulating hormone serotonin and can also help to reduce inflammation in the body.

By and large, spending time near the beach and ocean can have numerous health benefits for the mind and body. Taking some time to enjoy the beauty of the ocean can be a great way to improve your health and well-being.

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About the Author

For three decades, Alan Zawacki enjoyed a career in Corporate Training and Development and Higher Education. He designed and conducted hundreds of courses and workshops for organizations and individuals in a variety of areas --- from leadership development to stress management and career transition. Although he has been painting for 30 years, Alan transitioned his own career in 2011 to become a “full-time” artist and now lives in sunny Sarasota, Florida. Alan specialized in painting tropical seascapes and landscapes of Florida and The Caribbean.