Body & Mind

Science says: a trip to the beach is good for your health

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!30Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +0200+02:004230#30Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +0200+02:00-10Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330 09am30am-30Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +0200+02:0010Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam2023302023Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +02004510459amSaturday=9#!30Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam9#09-09-2023#!30Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +0200+02:004230#/30Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +0200+02:00-10Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330#!30Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:45:42 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam9#

Blonde woman Barbie Margot Robbie laughing on the beach with a pink hat

Oh, stop. Don't unpack that beach bag just yet. A trip to the coast is exactly what you need to give your health a boost. I kind of already knew this. There's something about the beach that always gives me an overwhelming sense of calm. It doesn't even have to be sunny for that; a walk in the autumn also makes me zen in a way that the most airy yoga class can't achieve. I never knew how that was possible until I came across a study that confirms all my warm feelings about the beach. Psychologist Aura Priscel De Los Santos explains why a day at the sea, salt, and sand is the pick-me-up you need.

At the beach, you can unplug and recharge at the same time
The beach symbolizes freedom, the ability to move, appreciating the colors of nature, feeling the wind, and disconnecting from all the situations that cause stress. How can you pay attention to your overflowing work schedule when you are completely immersed in the serene environment of the beach? Exactly: you can't.

You feel like you're on vacation
Beach equals vacation. At least, that's how it works for many people. On vacation, you are much better able to let everything go for a moment and truly relax. Unfortunately, we can't go off to a new tropical destination every month, but just one day at the beach can give you all those feelings of peace and vacation spirit.

Mental calmness makes you more resilient
The mental calmness that occurs when you seek out the beach can help you cope better with difficult situations. When you feel down, you often react more intensely to things than usual. By being in a relaxed environment, you can respond more calmly in stressful situations. Generally, being outdoors also has benefits for sleep, creativity, and the immune system. So even if you can't go to the beach, you can still benefit from these positive effects by taking a walk or even just sitting in your garden. With your eyes closed and the sound of the waves through the speakers, you almost feel like you're on a real beach.

Source: Well and Good