The Magic of the Beach

At least once a year I go to the beach. With friends. With my family. It doesn’t matter how I get there, I am getting there. Thankfully, I live only 2 hours away from the beach here in NC–it’s one of the best parts about living here! You can go for a day, a weekend, or even the entire week. What I don’t recommend: going at holiday time.

I grew up in Minnesota, so beaches were lake shores. My Great Aunt and Great Uncle owned a house on Fish Lake, and I spent much of my childhood there, or at Elm Creek Park Reserve (which was a man-made lake). I have also been to the Great Lakes. Grew up on the mouth of the Mississippi and other lakes. Clearly, no matter where I have been beaches have been a part of my life. In my opinion: the ocean will always be better than a lake or a river.

I have been to almost every beach along the NC coast, except the most Northern ones. I have been to Florida. I have been to New Jersey and Delaware beaches (which are not great beaches IMO because there is too much shore). I have a jar of sand from the Bahamas. I have been to Greek beaches, which have red, white, and black sand.  My favorite was the white beaches. I would like to go the Emerald sand beaches in Hawaii. I have been to nude beaches. That was an interesting experience, and one I am not sure I want to experience again. I have never been to a beach on the Pacific Ocean–I have heard they are beautiful.  My dream is to live on a Greek island, surrounded by sand and water–in solitude and beauty. 

I went to college at UNC-W (Wilmington), which is about 10 minutes away from the beach. My college friends and I would go as often as we could–we only skipped class once, though. We would go with friends that came to visit. We would go at night. I love the beach at night. For me, the beach is magical during the day, but at night, it’s a different experience–away from the lights and the crowds. Under the stars–literally heaven on Earth.

The beach is good for the soul. I love the sun-kissed feeling on my shoulder, the wind in my hair, the sounds of the waves crashing–I could leave the sand behind. Well, the way you can never completely get rid of the sand. There’s a feeling at the beach of being separate from the world–free to think and feel and be. It’s a different reality. The beach also offers a natural source of ‘vitamin sea,’ helping to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, which are crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. One of my favorite albums is called Be As You Are by Kenny Chesney–he wrote it and performed it while living in the Carribean. The album represents the best parts about beach life and living. Every song on the album soothes my soul–I can’t describe it, but I listen to it every time I go to the beach.

Although doctors have long prescribed beach trips for health benefits, recently studies about the neurological impacts of the beach on your body and mind. From the rhythmic crashing sound of waves–to the salty ocean air–the beach provides us with a multi-sensory experience that enhances mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You can walk barefoot in the sand, which is a form of grounding. Grounding is an ancient practice in which the body is directly connected to the earth’s surface and experiences electrical conduction due to the earth’s natural electric charge. Some people believe that putting the body in this state leads to physical effects and possible health benefits.

The smell of the ocean–the mix of salt and sand and breeze–lingers with you. I love the smell of the ocean so much that I shower with Ocean Mist Bodywash. I always smell like the beach. I love lighting my Sea Salt candle. It brings me back to the relaxation–reminds me to breathe and be mindful. The sound of ocean waves, the smell of saltwater, and the feel of sand between our toes all contribute to a profound sense of relaxation and calm. These sensory experiences are not just pleasant—they have measurable effects on our mental health.

The relaxing atmosphere of the beach is one of the most effective ways to combat stress and anxiety. The mixture of natural sounds, open spaces, and negative ions in the air creates an environment that encourages relaxation and mental clarity. Studies have shown the rhythmic sound of waves triggers a calming effect on the brain, helping to reduce cortisol levels and promote mindfulness. (Pretty much the same idea as a sound machine, which many people use to go to sleep). Negative ion therapy, which involves exposure to negative ions in the air, has been shown to improve mood and mental health. Take a book–read it–and you’ll probably get more of it just being at the beach. This state of relaxation allows the nervous system to reset, which can significantly decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. The beach is a pick-me-up. I’d rather take a trip to the beach than take a pharmaceutical. 

Beach therapy, also known as coastal therapy, harnesses the natural environment of the beach to enhance both physical and mental well-being. The science behind this form of therapy is deeply rooted in the concept of biophilia, which suggests that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature (I believe, for many humans, this is true.). This connection is not just a poetic notion; it’s backed by science. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate, while also improving mood and cognitive function. The sound of ocean waves, the smell of saltwater, and the feel of sand between our toes all contribute to a profound sense of relaxation and calm. These sensory experiences are not just pleasant—they have measurable effects on our mental health. Overall, the science of beach therapy highlights the importance of incorporating natural environments into our lives to promote overall health and well-being. The therapeutic benefits of the beach are a testament to the healing power of nature.

Not only is the beach beneficial for our mental health, but our physical health as well. Walking on the sand provides a natural resistance workout that strengthens the muscles in our feet and legs. You can swim or surf, The salty sea air is also beneficial for respiratory health, as it helps to clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the lungs. Additionally, the ocean’s sand and saltwater can act as natural exfoliants, effectively removing dead skin cells. The ocean truly heals your body. The beach is more than just a beautiful destination—it is a natural sanctuary that promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality.

The beach is more than just a beautiful destination—it is a natural sanctuary that promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality. Whether through the rhythmic sound of waves, the invigorating sea air, or the therapeutic effects of sunlight, the ocean offers a scientifically supported approach to wellness. (Nietzen’s Report). So, if you want to improve your health: THIS DOCTOR ORDERS, a trip to the beach!