Love Is In
The Salty Air!

Mikaela Walsh, 4ocean Research Analyst

Setting foot on the beach is like embarking on a journey into a new world.

Even if you go to the same beach every day, the sand is molded differently, the waves are crashing at a different speed and height, the sea shells are new, there's different wildlife, the sky has altered, etc. It is never the same experience twice. Searching for seashells along the water's edge and absorbing minerals when immersing into the ocean. Exploring the vast biodiversity that is continuously being discovered in our oceans. There’s no wonder why there are so many songs about relaxing at the beach!

People worldwide yearn to be close to coastlines and have access to beaches. Research suggests that individuals living near the coast experience better overall mental health than those residing further away. An utter sense of pure serenity occurs when hearing the sound of waves crashing against the sand. The ocean has been shown to have numerous beneficial effects on mental and physical well-being.

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The magnificence of nature has a profound impact on your spiritual well-being, surpassing what you might have initially thought. One of the best ways to fight burnout is to go outside and look at nature. Research supports this statement, and it is proven that even looking outside the window to a nature scene is a better performance with attention span. The color blue is essential when talking about the coastlines because whether you are looking at the ocean or the skies- the beach is mostly blue! Blue spaces are recognized worldwide for calming the human mind and stimulating creativity. They are renowned for uplifting mood and promoting positive bodily restoration.

The human brain naturally releases ‘happy hormones' when completing tasks or in specific environments. Hormones are chemical signals from the human brain that chemically alter your mental health almost instantly. These hormones encompass serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins- names you’ve likely heard mentioned before. The ‘happy hormones’ are essential in maintaining an overall increased mood and physical health. There are many ways to assist in releasing these chemical signals from the brain. Researchers examined a link between happiness and physical health and found that people with overall happiness live longer lives. Each of these hormones exerts a unique effect, and you can encourage their release through different methods. The most efficient way to fully activate these hormones is by staying physically active, exposing yourself to sunlight, surrounding yourself with nature, and surrounding yourself with enjoyable company. They always say laughter is the best medicine, and they weren't kidding!

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Something as simple as going for a walk on the beach with your friend can change your entire mood- chemically!

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that human beings need to stay healthy and happy. Sufficient Vitamin D levels facilitate the release and synthesis of serotonin in the body. Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to mental illness, including depression, among other conditions. Research shows that with the combination of sun exposure and exercise, there is a significant increase in mood and self-esteem and an overall decrease in tension. Minerals and vitamins can impact our overall mood in many ways.

Magnesium and the effects of ocean air on skin are noteworthy. The ocean harbors diverse marine life and contains a wealth of essential minerals and vitamins. Skin is the largest and most absorbent organ in the human body. Going in the ocean for a swim can allow your body to absorb minerals it is not exposed to daily! The ocean is home to a large amount of magnesium. In America, a significant percentage of the population is deficient, and magnesium has excellent effects on the human body. Magnesium is a popular homeopathic remedy for many mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, but it also has a ton of physical health benefits as well. Magnesium, found within the ocean, can relieve migraines, asthma, heart diseases, and numerous other physical ailments.

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Now, let's talk about negative ions at the beach and the impact this has on human health. The ocean is a robust body of water full of charged atoms. An atom has the same number of protons and electrons, which makes it neutral. But, when atoms start interacting, they will lose and gain electrons, which are on the outer edge of the atom, to make newly charged ions. A negatively charged ion contains more electrons than protons. In the ocean air, crashing waves, natural sunlight, and the movement of water creates more ions. These negative ions that people breathe in have been shown to have numerous potential benefits to human health, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health. Although insufficient research exists, these ions could also help the immune system and allergy sufferers.

The beach is an excellent way to escape reality and be captivated by a new world. Not only is going to the beach a great activity, but it promotes health and wellness as well. Distancing from social media and spending time on the blue coastlines can benefit your physical and mental health. It is a way to connect with nature in the rawest form. Daydreaming and exploring at the beach stimulate and push the brain to new limits.