The beach is a place where the sights, smells and sounds are so soothing they can instantly make a person feel happier, healthier and full of energy. The sand under your feet, the sound of the splashing waves and the sun on your skin are just a few reasons why people seek the beach out for a day of fun in the water and relaxing with their loved ones. The calming effects of the beach go far beyond that though. It is a scientifically proven fact that the beach can actually boost your immune system.
Beaches are fascinating natural features that form through a process of various factors over long periods of time. Beach formation begins when rocks are weathered, or broken down into smaller pieces by wind, rain, or moving water. Rocks can then be carried by rivers or streams to the coast where they may be deposited as sediment. Beaches often develop a combination of deposits including sand, gravel, and small shells. The most stable beaches are those that accrete, or grow bigger by being washed down from the foreshore or pushed into it by waves. A beach that erodes has a softer, less stable slope and is frequently characterized by sandbars and troughs that are carved out of the sand by the movement of waves.
A beach cusp is a unique feature that forms when a ridge of sand separating two sections of the beach rises up to a higher elevation than the surrounding beach. These are often the result of erosion, and the sand on top is usually much finer than the surrounding area. Cusps are ephemeral, however and can sometimes be washed away by rising tides or storm surges.
When walking on a beach, the sand under your feet provides a soothing, alleviating sensation and also works as a natural exfoliant by removing dead skin cells. Rubbing sand on your skin also opens up your pores and helps eliminate blackheads. Walking on a beach requires more muscles than walking on hard ground, so the beach can be an excellent way to get in a little physical activity without even realizing it.
The beach is an excellent source of Vitamin D, a nutrient that helps prevent autoimmune diseases. Spending just ten minutes in the sun at the beach will provide you with your daily dose of this important nutrient. The salty air at the beach also contains negative ions that work to neutralize positive ions in the body, thus helping improve overall mood. People who live in areas near the ocean have been shown to be healthier and happier than those who don’t. So, grab your sunscreen and head on down to the beach! It might just be your best health decision of the day.