Do you feel strangely attracted by the ocean? Do you experience instant calmness when listening to the sounds of waves? You’re definitely not the only one! The ocean affects people on almost every level, especially when it comes to mental health. So, if you want to get the next best thing to therapy, visit the ocean and experience all of these things it can do for you.
It reduces stress
According to research, individuals who have the luck to live near the ocean exhibit fewer anger outbursts and tend to be calmer. Ocean water is filled with positive ions which have a calming effect on the human mind.
This might explain why people feel instant pleasure when coming in contact with water, no matter if swimming, dipping your hand or taking a stroll barefoot in the shallows. Additionally, the color blue has the ability to distress the mind and make us feel at ease.
It relieves symptoms of depression
The beach and ocean views have a positive effect on depression as well. The mare sound of the water and waves crashing against the shore can help relieve the negative feelings. And if you combine that with the calming scents and sights, visiting the beach can put you in a trance-like state where you can clear your mind of all the worries and dark thoughts that might cloud your day.
It encourages you to exercise
Physical activity has a very positive effect on the human mind. It encourages the body to produce the happy hormone, serotonin, which makes people feel happy and stress-free. You can always take a walk or jog on the beach, go swimming, enjoy beach volleyball or water polo. Another great activity that engages your legs, core and upper body is surfing.
This interesting sport only requires a good surfboard, a wetsuit and some waves. And if you grab quality gear like durable Firewire surfboards you’ll have a companion for many, many years! Every time you hit the wave with your surfboard, you’ll feel like you’re flying free as a bird. And when your session is over, you’ll certainly be positively exhausted yet very happy. Plus, surfing will encourage you to travel the world, experience new surfing destinations and meet new people, which is always healthy both for your body and your mind.
This interesting sport only requires a good surfboard, a wetsuit and some waves. And if you grab quality gear like durable Firewire surfboards you’ll have a companion for many, many years! Every time you hit the wave with your surfboard, you’ll feel like you’re flying free as a bird. And when your session is over, you’ll certainly be positively exhausted yet very happy. Plus, surfing will encourage you to travel the world, experience new surfing destinations and meet new people, which is always healthy both for your body and your mind.
Sea air helps with insomnia
If you suffer from sleep problems induced by stress or depression, sea air could help you catch some extra Zs. Sea air is good for sleep because it’s fresher and cleaner and enriched with oxygen. Additionally, the lulling sounds of crashing waves can help people relax and fall asleep. It can help you clear your mind, lower stress and even strengthen your immune system. If you close your eyes and concentrate on the waves, you can imagine yourself anywhere in the world from the Caribbean to Iceland. The constancy of the ocean, its movements and sounds can help you de-stress and get healthy and uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep.
It gives you time to contemplate
Living by the ocean will allow you to have a little escape whenever you need it. It will give you an opportunity to have a change of perspective about life and start looking at things from the brighter side. The vastness of the ocean and its power can help you put things in perspective and encourage you not to sweat the small stuff. According to new research, spending time in nature reduces the production of stress hormone cortisol allowing people to feel healthier and happier. So, no matter if you find yourself face-to-face with an important decision or if you just want to Zen out, the beach is the best place for you.
It boosts creativity
If you feel like you’re losing your spark, you might benefit from an ocean outing. One of the best ways to improve creativity, motivation and productivity is to spend a few days near the sea and visit the beach. The blue of the ocean allows you to clear your mind and enhance your creativity, no matter if it comes to art, problem-solving or people management. Just like meditation, the ocean encourages you to focus only on what’s important, tuning everything else out.
The ocean can really do wonders for your mental health. So, if you happen to live somewhere inland, maybe it’s time to start planning a nice coastal holiday that will allow you to relax, unwind and recharge.