A Neuroscientist Explains the Health Benefits of Going to the Beach (Calma Rest)
Spending time at the beach is a wonderful luxury—it is always happy, soothing, and enjoyable. That is why summer is such a popular season. It enables us to leave our problems on the beach and immerse ourselves in joy. The problem is, that sensation isn't simply in our thoughts. There is scientific evidence that spending time at the beach is beneficial to both your mental and physical well-being. According to research conducted by the University of Exeter, people who live near the seaside have greater overall health and well-being. Another benefit of hearing the ocean is a greater sense of tranquility, as well as a relaxation of the nervous system as a result of less city noise and technology. The list goes on and on.
Dr. Heidi Hanna, a Fellow and Advisory Board Member for the American Institute of Stress, has made her career out of this sort of study. This effect, dubbed "beach brain," is both remarkable and unsurprising. To learn more about it, Hanna answered all of our questions, shedding light on the possibility that we should all just quit our jobs and migrate to the beach. Or work at the beach? The logistics are up to you. Read on for more of her exciting discoveries.
What Exactly Is "Beach Brain?"
Over the last several years, I've been investigating how the sights and sounds of the beach affect our minds and have come across the term "beach brain." 'Beach Brain' incorporates the mental and physical advantages of everything we've learned to value about spending time at the beach, and gives a clear method for achieving that same state of mind and body even while we're trapped at work.
What Are the Advantages?
Increased relaxation, according to Hanna, will help lower damaging stress chemicals in your brain and body. Of course, this makes sense. However, it will also help to reduce muscular tension, improve focus and attention, and improve an overall sense of serenity, contentment, and wellness. "The synergistic effect comes from both stress reduction and increased sensations of relaxation," she explains. So we're not just reducing what's causing the problem, but we're also improving our brain's capacity to work optimally.
"Because chronic stress hormones change the brain to be increasingly agitated, angry, aggressive, and reactive over time," she continues, "these micro adjustments of going to the beach can be brain health preventive." These advantages might take anywhere from a few minutes to many hours to take effect. But keep in mind that spending more time or visiting more frequently has a synergistic and cumulative impact. Hanna deconstructs the beach's benefits by examining the three Ss of the beach: sun, sand, and surf.
- Sunshine. Naturally, it improves our attitude and energy levels. However, natural light and vitamin D, according to Hanna, are required for metabolism, bone health, and immunological function. Furthermore, they have been demonstrated to reduce depression.
- Sand. "We can all readily feel the soft sand between our toes when we visualize the beach," Hanna explains. "In reality, being barefoot in nature (the foot actually has the most nerve endings per square inch compared to the rest of the body) has a grounding impact and has been proved to increase your mood." This is a true phenomenon known as "earthing." "Plus," Hanna adds, "the negative ions in salty ocean air have been demonstrated to decrease inflammation and boost immunological function."
- Surf. "The sound of waves crashing has been found to improve relaxation more than any other sound," Hanna explains. "It also improves heart rate variability and lowers blood pressure." The sound of the waves isn't the only advantage—according to Hanna, the minerals in ocean water assist alleviate pain in those with arthritis and aid in skin restoration and suppleness.
How to Benefit Without Living on the Beach
We all wish we could go to the beach every day, but we all know that's not possible. That is why Hanna tries to assist individuals in channeling the beach from any place, including their home or business. "If we have the correct tools," Hanna says, "'the beach' may be a state of mind we take with us through sensory encounters." "The first step is to slip on some sandals and utilize the energy that comes from liberating your toes." She recommends putting a pair beneath your desk and wearing them around the house for a few minutes each day (even in the winter).
"Your brain will begin to link those shoes with the same calming benefits that the beach provides," she explains. You may also simulate the scent of negative ions emitted by salt air. "She recommends combining essential oils to make your own 'beach mix.' Include oils such as Douglas fir, frankincense, grapefruit, and lime." Finally, listening to the sounds of the ocean is a common meditation technique (which Hanna calls "quite possibly the most relaxing sound on the planet"). "You'll be shocked how you can transfer yourself to the beach and waves from any place if you put all three together," she adds.
