Beneath the surface of leisure and relaxation of a day spent sprawled out on a lounge chair in the hot sun of a coastal town lies a hidden boost to our wellbeing. The wellness benefits sea water are abundant and anytime we find ourselves near the salty waters we’re reaping the rewards whether we know it or not.
In case you needed a little nudge to head to the coasts this summer, we’re diving into each of the wellness benefits of sea water, allowing you to categorize your summer holiday as a vital component of your health regimen.
The Wellness Benefits of SeaWater:
Salty Air:
While there are many reasons to get into the water, some of the wellness benefits of sea water don’t actually require swimming. The sea breeze carries with it a unique blend of sea salt particles and negative ions, which can have a positive impact on our respiratory health.
Sea Salt Particles
As the sea breeze travels from the ocean to the shore, it carries with it tiny sea salt particles. These particles are rich in minerals such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
When we inhale the sea-infused air, these beneficial minerals penetrate our respiratory system, helping to cleanse and purify our airways. This cleansing effect can help remove irritants and pollutants, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and allergies.
Negative Ions
In addition to sea salt particles, the sea breeze also contains an abundance of negative ions. These ions have been found to have several health benefits, including improving respiratory function.
When we breathe in the sea air, the negative ions attach themselves to things like dust and pollen, causing them to become heavier and fall to the ground.
This process helps to reduce the concentration of allergens in the air we breathe, providing relief for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.
Inhaling this fresh coastal air can help clear our airways, improve lung function, and alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Skin Rejuvenation:
Have you ever noticed that your skin seems to glow after spending a day at the sea? While you might chalk it up to being your fresh tan, it’s actually another wellness benefit of sea water. It’s highly rejuvenating for our skin.
Sea water contains an abundance of minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are known for their skin-nourishing properties.
A dip in the sea can help hydrate the skin, improve its texture, and promote a healthy glow. The sea salt in the water also possesses natural exfoliating and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for various skin conditions, including acne.
Delaying Dementia:
This might come as a shock, but one of the wellness benefits of sea water can help put off dementia. That’s because swimming in cold water can actually delay neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
A recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge found that individuals who regularly engage in sea swimming, particularly in cold water, demonstrate higher levels of a specific protein known as the ‘cold-shock’ protein in their blood.
Interestingly, researchers have found that this protein has the potential to slow the onset of dementia and even repair some of the damage caused by the disease.
A Natural Mood Booster
When it comes to uplifting our spirits and enhancing our mood, the sea has an almost magical allure. Its vast expanse of shimmering blue hues and captivating beauty has a profound impact on our emotional well-being.
Blue Therapy
Blue is often associated with feelings of calmness, serenity, and tranquility. When we gaze upon the endless horizon of the ocean, our minds are captivated by its soothing colors, creating a sense of peacefulness and relaxation.
This visual experience has a profound effect on our mood, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and tension.
Endorphin Release
The breathtaking beauty of the sea triggers a remarkable response within our bodies. When we’re near the ocean our brains release endorphins, often referred to as the body’s “feel-good” chemicals. Endorphins are natural mood-boosting substances that promote a sense of happiness, euphoria, and overall well-being.
The awe-inspiring sight of the sea, whether it’s the crashing waves or the gentle lapping against the shore, can evoke a cascade of these joyful neurotransmitters, leaving us with a heightened sense of positivity.
Reduction of Depression
The sea’s therapeutic influence extends beyond momentary joy. Studies have shown that spending time near the sea can have a positive impact on reducing feelings of depression.
The combination of the sea’s calming presence, the rhythmic sound of the waves, and the release of endorphins all contribute to an improved mental state.
The serenity and tranquility of the coastal environment provide a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, promoting emotional well-being and a sense of inner peace.
Vitamin D Boost
It’s no secret that exposure to sunlight is crucial for our body’s production of vitamin D, and what better place to soak up the sun than by the sea?
While you might not think you’re Vitamin D levels are low, studies suggest roughly one billion people are vitamin D deficient. In the US alone, 42% of adults are deficient.
Spending time at the beach allows our skin to absorb vitamin D, which supports bone health, boosts immunity, and enhances our overall well-being.
Getting Physical
Another wellness benefit of being near the sea is that you’re more likely to move your body and engage in physical activity. Who doesn’t love to lay on the beach with a good book— but if we’re being honest we can only lay for so long before it’s time to take a dip or go for a long walk on the beach.
Theirs something about the coastal setting that makes exercise feel like an enjoyable adventure. While getting yourself to the gym at home might be a struggle doing water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, swimming or sailing don’t usually take too much convincing.
Improved Blood Circulation:
One of the hidden wellness benefits of sea water is its ability to enhance blood circulation in our bodies. When we immerse ourselves in the sea, the water’s natural minerals and ions, such as magnesium and potassium, have a positive impact on our blood vessels.
These minerals help to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Plus, the pressure exerted by the water on our bodies during activities like swimming can assist in promoting circulation and increasing the efficiency of our cardiovascular system— it’s no wonder that the areas in the world with the highest longevity are all coastal regions.
Reconnection with the Natural World
In the fast-paced and technology-driven world we live in, finding moments of tranquility and reconnecting with nature has become increasingly essential for our well-being.
The sea offers a sanctuary where we can escape the demands of daily life and immerse ourselves in the wonders of the natural world.
The sea has a unique ability to evoke a sense of mindfulness within us.
As we witness the vast expanse of water meeting the horizon, our attention is drawn to the present, grounding us in the here and now. We become attuned to the subtle details that make up the coastal landscape—the dancing sunlight on the surface of the water, the seagulls soaring gracefully above, and the intricate patterns carved by the tides in the sand.
These moments of mindfulness allow us to fully appreciate the beauty and intricacies of nature, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and connectedness.
