3 Reasons Why You Should Go To The Beach More Often

Going to the beach can really rejuvenate you. It's not only about improving your mood, it's also about improving your health. Studies have proven that the sea can have really good effects on us.

1) The sea can help the way you think

Research shows that the sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain lulling you into a deeply relaxed state. Relaxing in this way can help rejuvenate the mind and body.

New-born babies are 75 percent water and as we age we become drier to the tune of only 60 percent. Our brains, however, are still 75% water and our bones are at 31%. Our brains react to water in a positive manner because our ancient ancestors came out of the water and evolved from swimming to crawling to walking. Fetuses still have ‘gill-slit’ structures in their early stages of development and the water in our cells is comparable to that found in the sea, according to Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and conservationist who lives near the central coast of California.

This biological connection to water, Nichols told CBS News, triggers an immediate response in our brains. When you see or hear the ocean, he says, you know “you’re in the right place.” (iheartintelligence)

2) Going to the beach is healthy for your body too

We all know the risks of too much sun exposure. But there are benefits to getting some rays, too.

When our skin is directly exposed to the sun, our bodies make vitamin D, a vital tool that helps with calcium absorption and building strong bones. Some of it comes from diet, but a good portion also comes from the sun. And according to the Mayo Clinic, as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure can provide us with our daily dose. According to the vitamin D council, "your body can produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D in just a little under the time it takes for your skin to turn pink."

Lastly, sand acts as a natural exfoliant, helping the old skin to shed more quickly and improving its natural regeneration. It also makes an excellent surface for exercising. The extra resistance it imposes on muscles can maximise the effects of any fitness regime.

3) The sea is good for your soul

Living near the coast may be associated with better health because the seaside environment reduces stress, the researchers said. They pointed to another British study that found that people who took trips to the coast experienced more feelings of calmness and relaxation than those who visited urban parks or the countryside.

Breathing in the sea air is so uplifting. The reason that sea air decreases stress and makes you feel great may be explained by the minerals in the sea air and the negatively charged ions. Sea air consists of a significant amount of negatively charged ions. Negative ions are molecules in nature, found in great numbers in places such as the forest or waterfalls. The ocean spray which is loaded with negative ions helps strengthen immunological defense mechanisms and the iodine in the ocean mist helps regulate the thyroid gland.

Another benefit of these negative ions is that they help us absorb oxygen and many believe that these molecules help balance serotonin levels which are connected to mood and stress. In our world today we are exposed to many positive ions (free radicals) from computers, electricity, T.V.’s and more. This is why it is especially good to increase our exposure to negative ions.