Have you ever felt an intense sense of peace when you were close to the sea? Indeed, being close to the ocean or the sea has many benefits, some of which are often overlooked. Would you like to learn about them?
If you are lucky enough to live by the sea or spend most of the summer months on the coast, you have probably noticed how your mood changes the closer you get to the ocean or the sea. Perhaps you think this is just because you are on vacation. However, there is more to it than that. In fact, the psychological benefits of being by the sea are real and tangible, and today we’re going to tell you about them.
Being by the sea makes you feel calm, happy and safe. You sleep better and life seems to move at a different pace. This is not just in your imagination. In fact, the sea has a real impact on your physical and psychological health. That’s why spending time close to it is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. We show you why.
Psychological benefits of being by the sea
You’ve probably experienced first-hand the wonderful benefits of being by the sea. Indeed, being close to the ocean;
- Triggers states of calm and relaxation. In fact, it relieves stress and tension and helps combat anxiety problems.
- It generates positive emotions. For example, feelings of well-being, happiness and satisfaction. Therefore, it can be useful in combating certain symptoms of depression.
- It promotes mindfulness and helps to free the mind from worries.
- Stimulates creativity and improves concentration.
- Provides mental clarity and better cognitive function.
- Improves sleep quality and prevents disorders such as insomnia.
Why is the sea so beneficial for psychological health?
As you can see, being by the sea has many advantages. But why do these effects occur? Actually, there are several factors:
It’s a natural environment
Humans are animals and the simple fact of connecting with nature triggers or produces changes in body and mind. In our fast-moving, stimulus-saturated urban environments we can get sick. Being by the sea slows down your thoughts, reduces activation and eliminates stress.
The color blue and its emotional effects
According to color psychology, each shade has the potential to create certain psychological and emotional states in people. The color blue evokes a feeling of calmness and relaxation and gives you a sense of security. Indeed, looking at the sea is ideal for reducing anger or anxiety.
More oxygenation
Being by the sea and inhaling the sea breeze deeply allows you to oxygenate yourself better and breathe cleaner and purer air. This helps you to reduce tension and fight certain physiological symptoms of anxiety. In addition, it allows your prefrontal cortex – the area of your brain responsible for reasoning, analysis and decision-making – to function better.
White noise and alpha waves
If you meditate, you will know that the sound of the sea is one of the most used elements in this type of exercise. This is because the noise of the waves promotes relaxation and rest.
It is a repetitive, constant and harmonious sound (white noise) that encourages your brain to enter an alpha state. This means it helps you fall asleep and feel calmer. In addition, these brain waves support creativity, the emergence of new ideas and problem-solving skills.
Muscle relaxation
Finally, immersing yourself in the sea is also a great activity. The feeling of lightness and the waves crashing against your body relaxes the muscles.
Being by the sea can also encourage you to exercise more regularly. This ensures a good night’s rest and can be extremely useful if you suffer from insomnia.
Enjoy the psychological benefits of being by the sea
In short, staying at the beach can be a great help to combat your daily stress, connect with the environment (and yourself) and increase your level of satisfaction.
However, if you cannot visit the sea, you can use some of its positive elements in isolation. For example, try spending time in other types of natural environments. Or listen to the sounds of the ocean on a recording or enjoy the benefits of color therapy.
If you have the opportunity to be by the sea often, don’t hesitate to do so. Your physical and psychological health will thank you.
