Health Benefits of Being by the Sea

I mentioned in another post about my relationship with the sea as a child. I talked briefly how it scared but also called to me on a primal level; and how my nan frequently reassured me, making sure that I grew up with a healthy appreciation and respect for the ocean. One thing I didn’t talk about was how my nan (and my mum) always heavily promoted to me; the health benefits of being by the sea.

Child Me…

Of course, didn’t understand the significance of this. He (I) was a (lovable) dipsh*t who simply didn’t want to drown, get stung by a jellyfish or get dragged off by some Lovecraftian squid god.

Adult Me…

However, is a little less worried about being kidnapped by Cthulhu! If anything it would be nice to get a holiday without the hassle of renewing my passport.Seriously, though; what I see now is an undeniable and unquestionable benefit to using water to assist in the recovery of physical and mental ailments alike.For me, personally; water is a significant part of how I manage stress. I don’t just mean sea water (actually, I haven’t been in the ocean for quite a long time) but baths, showers and swimming pools all play a massive part in finding my mental and emotional equilibrium. If I’m struggling to sleep or in an environment that is too stimulating, I will often stick a headset on and listen to noises from the ocean.

The Health Benefits of Being in the Sea

Clearly, I am a believer of water based therapy then and I’m not the only one.Many have promoted about the benefits of water to our wellbeing; one of the more popular modern movements being the Blue Mind theory by Dr Wallace J. Nichols. There are some fascinating books and talks on this topic.I’m talking a lot about water in general and broadly speaking water in its many forms is actually really quite therapeutic for me and millions of others too but the sea is special – thanks in no small part to its ecosystem and chemical components. It is no surprise then that I’ve found truth in the things I was told as a child, that I’ve grown to not only agree but to investigate, expand on and come to my own conclusions.Here are some of those benefits:

#1 Swimming

Swimming is generally one of the best ways to get a full body workout. Doing so will help improve circulation, lead to a better sleep and improve your immune system. With the sea, you have the added minerals, the air and of course the waves adding to the beneficial aspects of the experience too.

#2 Physical Healing

Over the years there have been numerous studies into the chemical balance in seawater and the effects on the body. What we know is that the specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the ocean result in antibiotic and antibacterial effects that benefit our bodies. Regular dips in the sea can help manage conditions such as arthritis as well as a wide-array of aches and pains.

#3 Skin Care

We all know that too much salt is bad for you but that depends on how you’re taking it. Eczema, acne and wounds are all quickly healed in seawater. The combo of vitamins and minerals found in the ocean do wonders for skin restoration.

#4 Mental and Emotional Healing

Anecdotally, it’s not uncommon for people to say they are less stressed and more relaxed by the sea. Scientifically speaking, there are many reasons for this. One being, because it contains magnesium, seawater will act as a natural relaxant.The sea can act as a natural mood stabiliser also because of its effects on blood pressure. This will help improve mood and enable a deeper and calmer sleep.

#5 The Ocean Air

The sea air itself has numerous benefits, so, naturally being exposed it when in the ocean is a massive boon!Worldwide, many health professionals recommend sufferers of asthma and significant respiratory problems should go to the beach bathe in the sea and take in the fresh, salty air.The ocean air naturally balances out serotonin levels, a factor for negative mood and stress overload as well as allowing the body to take in oxygen at an accelerated rate.Enabling you to feel happier, more alert and better both physically and mentally.