Beach Benefits for Your Brain
- Beat the Blues. Science has found that different colors cause different emotional, physical, and psychological...
- Soothing Salty Air. As soon as you get to the beach and take that big inhale of fresh, salty air, your brain...
- Sand Stimulates Your Mind. Your feet contain numerous nerve endings and acupuncture points that allow you to...
How does the beach affect your brain?
Science has recently found that the beach environment causes changes in your brain that leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and full of energy. The relaxing and calm atmosphere of the beach, i.e., the vast stretches of water and/or sky, is now being dubbed “blue space.”
What are the benefits of being at the beach?
Being in nature, a place you feel safe, can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. Likewise, spending time at the beach can lessen anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious . It lifts your mood. Time on the beach increases your self-esteem and promotes relaxation.
Why does the ocean soothe our brains?
The smell of the ocean breeze contributes to your soothed state, which may have something to do with the negative ions in the air that you’re breathing in. Plus, that consistent ebbing and flowing you hear as you lie on your towel under an umbrella? “It kind of de-stimulates our brains,” says Shuster.
How the beach boosts your mood?
How the Beach Boosts Your Mood. “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.” A study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s journal even found that blue is associated with a boost of creativity.
Why is the beach good for mental health?
It lowers stress. Being in nature, a place you feel safe, can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. Likewise, spending time at the beach can lessen anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious.
What are the benefits we gain from beaches?
Beaches provide protection to residents living near the ocean by acting as a buffer against the high winds and waves of powerful storms, and help drive economic activity important to nearby communities.
Why do I feel calm at the beach?
The ocean has a calming effect on your mind, allowing it to go into a meditative state. Since the sound and sight of the ocean is easy for the brain to process, it can create a soft focus, just like when you are focused on your breath in yoga or in a mindfulness practice.
Why do I feel so connected to the ocean?
We're naturally drawn to aquatic hues and people associate this color with qualities like calm, openness, depth and wisdom. "We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what's broken.
Are people healthier at the beach?
A recent UK study showed that, even discounting factors like age and economic factors, people who live by the sea are healthier than those who live away from the coast. Sea air encourages respiratory health, while sun exposure (with a healthy coating of SPF) is great for getting your daily dose of Vitamin D.
Does the ocean help with depression?
Living closer to the sea can help reduce anxiety and depression, new study finds. A new study has found that living close to the sea has a positive impact on our mental health, meaning that coastal-dwellers could be receiving more mental health benefits from where they live than those who live inland.
Why do I feel relaxed after a beach trip?
Serotonin is the feel-good chemical in your brain that is almost immediately released when you step into the sunshine. Hearing the sound of the waves crashing will lull you into a relaxed state. It has been found that simply staring at the ocean can actually change our brain waves’ frequency, meaning this may put you into a mild meditation. So the next time you are feeling stressed, make it a point to find a beach. Your brain health deserves it!
Is seafood good for you?
Obviously, we were saving the best for last – the food! When you’re on the beach, there’s likely to be seafood restaurants in the area. Fresh seafood is a great source for omega-3 fatty acids. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to increase stress. When you get these omegas into your diet, it can support your brain health!
Why is it important to go to the beach with family and friends?
Getting to the beach with family and friends removes all distractions and allows you to re-connect.
Why do people nap at the beach?
Taking a nap at the beach is proven to give you a deep and restful sleep. Sleep deprivation is a common problem in today’s stressful and fast-paced world, so it is important to catch up on missed sleep.
Why do we use ocean waves?
Sounds of ocean waves have been used in meditation practices for many years. The reason is that the sounds of the ocean are soothing and relaxing. Even for the most anxious and stressed of minds, the sounds of the ocean can bring calmness and allow your brain to recharge.
Is walking on the beach good for you?
Walking in the sand provides natural resistance, so you get a better workout than when you walk down your street. Plus, the fresh air and beautiful scenery is motivation enough to make walking on the beach something to look forward to.
Does salty air calm your mind?
As soon as you get to the beach and take that big inhale of fresh, salty air, your brain immediately benefits. There are negative ions in ocean air produced by water molecules, and these have the ability to calm your mind.
Is salt water good for you?
Soaking in salt water is great for your joints and muscles. The ocean water can help to heal any scrapes and cuts as well as gently exfoliate your skin too.
What is the blue space on the beach?
The relaxing and calm atmosphere of the beach, i.e., the vast stretches of water and/or sky, is now being dubbed “blue space.” Fresh air, warm breezes, soft sand, and the calming sounds of waves crashing are now thought to have a profound effect on the brain.
Does ocean water help with skin?
Ocean water has a positive effect on the appearance of your skin. Of course, you want to make sure you have sunscreen on at the beach to protect you from UV rays, but the water itself possesses antibacterial and detoxification powers.
Is it good to spend time by the ocean?
Research finds that spending time by the ocean is pretty good for your wellbeing. In fact, according to an analysis of English census data published in ...
Does sand make you feel fuzzy?
Finally, the simple act of touching the sand makes you feel all fuzzy. “The physical sensation of putting your feet in warm sand causes people to relax,” says Shuster. But it turns out there’s a bit of a placebo effect happening, too.
Does the beach help your brain?
What the beach does to your brain. Science says the surf and sand does the mind (and body) good. Here’s how to reap the benefits of all that 'vitamin sea.'.
Does mindfulness help with stress?
Mindfulness has tons of mental health benefits including stress relief , says Nazari. A study published in the journal Psychiatry Research found that the brains of those who completed an eight-week mediation course changed in a few ways. For starters, the area of the brain responsible for stress shrunk in size.
Why do people sleep at the beach?
They also balance levels of serotonin; a chemical produced by the body that is related to mood and stress. This is one reason why being at the beach have been linked, by scientists to positive mental energy and a general overall sense of health and well-being. It may even make us sleep better. 3. Your Stress Hormone Cortisol Level Would Be Lowered. ...
Which part of the brain is involved in ocean sounds?
1. Your Brain’s Prefrontal Cortex Is Activated. The prefrontal cortex , an area of the brain associated with emotion and self-refection (as well as other functions) has been shown to be engaged when ocean sounds are played.
How does the ocean affect our health?
The calming noise of the ocean works to decrease cortisol levels. In this way the ocean can have a positive effect on our overall health and may prevent potential health problems. 4. The Flat Ocean’s Surface Calms You. The flat plane of the ocean’s surface may also give us a sense of security and safety.
What does Michael Merzenich say about humans?
Neuroscientist Michael Merzenich says that humans feel safe when they are in places that are not complex. In forest humans need to be weary of predator animals; in the cities there are crooks and villains to be wary of; however, at the beach we can see for miles and this gives us peace of mind.
How does mirroring affect the brain?
This process is triggered via the activation of specific brain regions through the stimulation of specialized neurons called mirror neurons. [5] .
What are the most relaxing sounds to listen to?
Advertising. The most relaxing and pleasant sounds to listen to are those that have predictable wave patterns. The sound should also be middling to low pitches, soft in volumes and harmonic frequencies at regular intervals. The waves of the ocean tick all of these boxes. They are regular and soft to listen to.
Why is body language important?
Body language can play a significant role in how our words and communication are interpreted, especially when there is a disconnection involved. [4] . When someone tells you one thing, yet their body language screams something completely different, it’s challenging to let that go.
What is beach brain?
What Is "Beach Brain?". "'Beach brain' has come up as part of my research as a neuroscientist over the past couple of years—studying how the sights and sounds of the beach directly affect our psyche. 'Beach Brain' integrates the mental and physical benefits of what we have come to appreciate about spending time at the beach, ...
Why do people live near the beach?
A study by the University of Exeter found people who live near the beach have better overall health and wellbeing. Another cites the enhanced sense of calm from hearing the ocean (more so than relaxing music) and relaxation of the nervous system due to a reduction of city noise and technology. The list goes on.
Does sunshine help with mood?
Sunshine. Of course, it lifts our mood and energy levels. But, accordigng to Hanna, natural light and vitamin D are necessary for metabolism, bone health, and immune function. Plus they're shown to decrease depression. Sand. "When we imagine the beach, we can all easily feel the warm sand between our toes," Hanna says.
Does relaxation help with stress?
According to Hanna, increased relaxation will help reduce toxic stress hormones in your brain and body. Which, of course, makes sense. But it'll also aid in reducing muscle tension, improving focus and attention, and enhancing an overall sense of peace, happiness, and wellbeing.
Does surfing help with arthritis?
And, the sound is not the only beneficial thing about the surf—according to Hanna, the minerals in ocean water help reduce pain for people with arthritis and aid in skin repair and elasticity.
Why is it important to spend time at the beach?
Likewise, spending time at the beach can lessen anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious . It lifts your mood.
How does walking on the beach help with anxiety?
The beach can have lasting benefits for people who have anxiety, depression, elevated stress, and other mental health conditions. Spending just 20 minutes walking along the beach can boost your mood.
How to recover from mental illness?
The beach is one of the best places for your mental health to recover. Get outdoors. Looking at electronic screens too much can harm your mental health. Turning off the phone or tablet and getting outdoors can clear your mind. The point of being outside is being more present and connecting with yourself and the world.
Why is the beach considered a blue space?
The beach can be a refreshing place that makes you feel better the longer you’re there. Some studies show short walks along the beach can boost your mood and affect your mental health. This is because the beach is considered a blue space -- a water source such as an ocean, lake, pond, or swimming pool. Exposure to blue spaces has been linked ...
How to deal with stress at the beach?
The best beach activities for stress include getting in the water and spending time outside. Book a vacation. If you live in the city or a place where blue spaces are limited, you might start feeling depressed or burnt out. That’s when a vacation comes in handy.
How does surfing help you?
It improves overall well-being. Getting exposure to the sun and ocean air is great for your mental health. “Surf therapy” is shown to boost your overall mood. Getting in the water and moving around increases mindfulness and allows you to get some physical activity. It lowers stress.
Is it good to be in the sand?
It’s good for your overall health to soak up the sun and get plenty of vitamin D. When you’re out on the beach, be mindful of the sounds and smells around you. You can even try meditation while you’re lying in the sand with your eyes closed. This can focus your mind and clear away your stress and worries.
