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What words would you use to describe the ocean? Relaxing? Calming? Peaceful? Many people experience positive feelings when they are by the ocean, but they don’t know why! The truth is that there are several mental health benefits of the ocean.
I used to live by the ocean, and I can tell you that I noticed a difference in my happiness levels. And, I am not alone. Research shows that people who live by the ocean rate their well-being and happiness higher than those who live inland. The ocean has a way of providing bliss and joy!
While I could go on about the numerous benefits of the ocean, there are 6 key mental health benefits of the ocean that lead to these positive feelings.
1. More energy
The ocean provides negative ions increasing oxygen flow to the brain, helping you feel more alert and energized. If you’ve ever gone to the beach in the morning, you may know the refreshing and energetic feeling that comes along with it.
2. More creativity
Water helps the mind switch to a different mode of engagement known as the default mode network. This brain network is associated with daydreaming, imagination, insight, and introspection leading to higher levels of creativity. This is also comparable to when you take a shower. These experiences allow your mind to wander, providing the perfect opportunity for creative thoughts to seep in.
3. Less stress
Looking at the vastness of the ocean and listening to the crashing waves induces a meditative state leading to a sense of calmness. My favorite thing to do by the ocean is find a nice rock or cliff to sit on right at the edge of the water and listen to the waves crash. Soft sounds with regular frequencies also works to lower cortisol levels, which is a hormone that leads to stress. The blue color of the ocean has also shown to be associated with feelings of peace.
4. Increased feelings of balance
Do you remember those negative ions I talked about earlier? Those negative ions also help to balance levels of serotonin, a hormone that stabilizes your mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. With inducing a meditative state AND mood stabilization, the ocean provides the perfect environment to find your center and realign your thoughts and feelings.
5. Increased happiness
Like how the sound of the waves lowers cortisol levels, it also increases dopamine levels. Dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical in our brain that leads to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. The sunlight that is often present in coastal climates provides vitamin D, which is also known as the “happy hormone”. Vitamin D works to regulate mood and fight off depression. So as to not sound like a text book, in short, being on the coast produces chemicals that make you feel happy 🙂
6. Improved connection with Earth
Being near the ocean gives notions of feeling “one with the earth”. Walking barefoot on the sand or swimming in the water creates a grounding feeling and a connection with the Earth. The ocean appeals to all five of our senses allowing us to appreciate what Earth is offering through the sound of the waves, feel of the ocean breeze, sight of the vast body of water, smell of the seawater, and taste of the salt in the air. Using all your senses and focusing on the surrounding environment helps to foster that appreciation of and connection to the earth.
The bottom line is that the ocean is a magical entity that can completely alter our mental health for the better. Whether you are looking to relax, re-energize, or restore balance, a beach getaway may be exactly what you need. The best way to embrace these mental health benefits of the ocean is to understand the impact that they have. The next time you visit the ocean, remember these benefits and recognize how they impact your mental health
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