What’s better than a sunny day at the beach? Everybody knows that a day at the beach is relaxing, but it can also be great for your overall health.
You probably don’t need more excuses to hit up the beach, but just in case you do we’ve rounded up 5 reasons you NEED a day at the beach.
1. Get That Sunshine Vitamin
For starters a day at the beach is a quick and easy way to get some Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. ☀️ Vitamin D can help regulate emotions and helps your immune system function. After the year we’ve had, I think everyone could use a boost in both of those departments.
Watch out for sunburns though! A bad sunburn can turn your sunny mood around real quick.
2. Trick Yourself Into Exercising
I rarely go to the beach without diving into the ocean a few times. Personally, a beach day doesn’t feel complete without a quick swim. Acting on the urge to splash around in the waves is a great way to get your body moving and accelerate your heart rate. Swimming is a full body exercise and swimming in the ocean is even better. Looking for a good resistance workout? The waves have you covered. If you want to spice up your swim in the ocean, try snorkeling as a way of exploring the outdoors without putting too much thought into the idea that you're actually exercising.
Maybe you don’t like swimming and that’s fine. Because who doesn’t love a walk on the beach? Or you can try your own special beach workout routine because get this, outdoor workouts are actually healthier for you than indoor workouts.
If that’s not enough incentive, keep in mind that outside (nature's gym) does not charge fees or require a membership. The outdoors is just happy to see you. If you're not in the mood to workout you can just bask in the sun and take satisfaction in knowing that spending time outside is always a healthy choice.
3. Get Better Sleep
If you love sleep but sleep doesn’t love you back, a day at the beach can help bridge that gap. Have you ever noticed how tired you get after spending time in the sun? Even if you’re not working out, your body works overtime in the sun to help regulate your body temperature. Be sure to hydrate as much as you can since dehydration is a negative symptom of being in the sun that might also be causing drowsiness.
But that’s not the only reason you’ll sleep like a baby after a day at the beach. You already knew ocean water is full of salt but it also has magnesium in it that can help you feel more relaxed. The combination of exercise, sun, and natural relaxation could be exactly what you need to catch some solid Zs tonight. 😴
4. Unplug From Your Phone. The News. The WORLD.
Okay so you’re not required to turn your phone off at the beach. But putting away your phone and stepping away from the never-ending flood of notifications can do wonders. If you need to clear your mind and relax, turning off your phone is a great place to start. I find that when i'm outdoors and unplugged, my problems don’t seem as overwhelming. Disconnecting from your phone allows you to feel more connected to the present moment.
When spending a day outdoors I like to turn my phone to airplane mode, take a few minutes to take some photos and videos, and then put it away for the rest of the day. It feels so much nicer to allow yourself to fully enjoy the image of the waves splashing against the sand rather than worrying about the focus of your iPhone camera and how the sunset doesn’t look as good in the picture for some reason. We all know that most of those photos you take are going straight to the cloud anyway, never to be seen again. So make sure you plan time during your beach day to liberate yourself from your phone and the constant urge to be working or creating something.
Taking a break from technology is a great way to recharge your body and mind.
5. Breath Easier
Not only will a day at the beach reduce stress and help you sleep, but it can literally help you breathe easier. Ocean air can actually help decrease sinus pressure making it easier for you to take long deep breaths. The increased oxygen absorption in the lungs can help balance serotonin levels. Breath better, feel better, sleep better. What more could you ask for on your day off?
Now that you have 5 reasons visiting the beach is good for you, get started on planning your trip! Taking time away from your desk can actually boost your energy level - and make you a happier (and possibly healthier) person. So treat yourself to a day at the beach. For your health. 😉
