Beaches are more than just beautiful landscapes; they’re also a great place to unwind and refresh. In fact, research shows that spending time at the beach can boost your mood and help you feel more relaxed. The reason is simple: The ocean’s blue water naturally destresses your brain. Plus, the sound of crashing waves has been shown to put your mind in a more meditative state, making it easier to decompress and forget about your worries.
In addition to being a natural mood booster, the beach also provides a number of other health benefits. It’s a great way to get some sun and get your exercise in, which are both excellent for your physical and mental health. Beaches offer a variety of different activities, which makes it easy to find something that suits your interests. And, of course, a day at the beach is a great opportunity to enjoy a healthy meal with your family, such as fresh seafood or grilled vegetables.
It’s hard to resist the call of the ocean. For centuries, people have traveled to beaches for rest, relaxation, and revitalization. They have been a source of inspiration for artists and writers, including the author Jane Austen, who used her experiences at the beach in her novel Sanditon. And, during the interwar period, America’s love for beach culture grew as well, with the advent of affordable mass transit systems that made it possible for urban working-class families to spend a day at the beach.
Beaches form when rocks are worn down by the elements, such as wind and water, over a long period of time. This process is called weathering and erosion, and it can happen at the coastline of a lake or river as well as on the seashore of an ocean. Beach materials include sand, shells, coral, marine organisms, and other loose debris. These materials are carried down the coast by waves and winds, and some may travel long distances.
Walking on sand is a great way to get some exercise, and it’s also an excellent way to relieve stress and lower your blood pressure. When you walk on sand, your feet are stimulated and the sensation triggers the release of serotonin. Plus, rubbing your feet on the sand is a natural exfoliant that helps shed dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.
There are endless reasons to visit a beach and soak up the vitamin D that the sun provides. The sun’s rays are essential for healthy skin, and an hour of exposure to the beach can give your bones stronger, your teeth healthier, and your immune system a major boost.
Another benefit of visiting a beach is that it’s much easier to unplug from your devices. The glare from the sun and the crashing waves make it almost impossible to stare at your phone or tablet, which is good for your health. Studies show that too much screen time can lead to poor sleep, eye problems, back and neck pain, and impaired cognitive function. Getting away from it all for a day at the beach is just what your body and soul need.