Posted on May 12th, 2023.

Benefits of the Beach. When you’re feeling burnt out at work and in need of a vacation, you might automatically think of the beach. Most people have come to associate the beach with relaxation and happiness. The beach does impact your mental health in the following ways:

It’s a change of scenery. Some studies show that your senses experiencing the same thing over and over again can cause stress. When you change your setting by going to the beach, your senses are engaged in new sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. This can improve your mental state and increase feelings of relaxation.

It improves overall well-being. Getting extra exposure to the sun and ocean air is great for your mental health. “Surf therapy” is shown to boost your overall mood. Getting in the water and moving around increases mindfulness and allows you to get some physical activity.

It lowers stress. Being in nature, a place you feel safe, can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. Likewise, spending time at the beach can lessen anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious.

It lifts your mood. Time on the beach increases your self-esteem and promotes relaxation. People with attention deficit disorder can feel calmer at the beach. Walking along the shoreline can make you feel less isolated and happier.