Life Can Be A Day At The Beach

On a cold, dreary day, I thought we could all use a little beach fantasy.

Looking at this picture, you can almost hear the water lapping at the shoreline. It’s a warm summer evening and a feeling of calm washes over you as you listen to the rhythmic sound of the waves. 

When I was going through chemo in February 2010 my sister took me to Hawaii. I had no hair and, because I live in New Jersey, was always very cold. It was life affirming to sit on the beach on the north shore of Oahu and watch the huge waves crash against the sand. The color of the water was the bluest I have ever seen. It was a mesmerizing, meditative experience. For a few hours each day, I was able to escape my reality and feel the stress of my situation melt away. 

There are so many reasons a visit to the beach is good for you. Walking in sand is not only much more pleasant than walking on pavement but also requires more effort and provides a better workout. it’s also so much better for your feet, hips and other joints. 

Being at the beach usually means being in the sun. Being in the sun means you absorb a lot of Vitamin D. We are often deficient in Vitamin D, especially in winter when we are covered up and unable to absorb it. Vitamin D strengthens bones, supports the immune system, minimizes stress, lowers blood pressure and reduces cancer risk. Just remember not to spend too much time in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Our bodies are made up of more than 75% salt water so it’s no wonder we feel so much better at the beach, near the ocean. The ocean water is full of minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium that are absorbed into the skin. These minerals help to overcome certain skin conditions and detoxify the skin. And because the skin is our largest organ, all those minerals are absorbed into our bodies too.

Even the blue color of the ocean and the sky is very soothing and calming. Staring at the ocean will actually change your brainwaves and put you into a meditative, almost trancelike state. The negative ions in the salt air help to alleviate depression and mood disorders and help with oxygen absorption. This is why you often sleep very well after spending the day at the beach.

There are so many other benefits from spending time by the water. It’s the place on earth where we are closest to our own physiology. It helps us physically, mentally, emotionally. So pack your beach bag and floppy hat and have a blast.