Research from Michigan State University shows that the sea tends to reduce stress. With how difficult and overwhelming our lives can be nowadays, we are in need of multiple techniques that can help us relieve that stress. Trying multiple different techniques can help us choose the one that suits us best. For many, the beach is just that.
How can it help us?
As mentioned already, the beach can help reduce stress. Those who live by the beach tend to be calmer. Furthermore, the color blue – the color of the beach – itself can induce calming feelings and reduce stressful outbursts.
In addition, the beach has shown to have positive effects on those with depression. The feeling of the ocean and the waves has had the ability to reduce negative feelings – the same effect it has on stress. In that sense, visiting the beach can be used to clear our thoughts and to just take a moment to breathe fresh air.
Visiting the beach can help us exercise. Whether that was by swimming, running, jogging, walking, or even just playing some sports, the beach is a place for multiple uses. As we know, exercise is great for our mental health as it helps release much of our happy hormones.
Lastly, the beach can help boost creativity, motivation, and productivity. The beach has the same effect as meditation – it helps us focus on what is important. Hence, because it helps us clear our heads, it may help us with problem-solving and other creative needs.
What now?
If you live near a beach, go. Go swimming, have a picnic by the shore, read a book, work, or listen to music. If you do not, listen to the sound of ocean waves on YouTube, look at pictures of the beach, or even picture yourself there. Try this the same way you would try other mindfulness techniques and see if it works for you!