It’s January, and this is the time we dream about the beach, sunshine, and Ocean Breeze. Did you know Beach time boosts your health and is something you may desire? Let’s learn about Beach Health to get us through winter. Start planning your next Beach Vacation.
If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or lacking Vitamin D from the sunshine in the winter then Beach Time is your best natural medicine for your Health.
Grounding
One of the reasons we feel so good after being at the beach or lake is grounding. Grounding is connecting with the sand, water, and rocks. It is putting your bare feet down on the ground in the sand or even touching the sand and water with your hands. You are physically touching the earth. The health benefits include improving inflammation, blood pressure, stress, mood, and sleep. (nih.gov)
Take off your shoes and dig into the sand at the beach. Being in nature will improve your mood. If you can’t go to the beach, walk barefoot in your backyard or do some gardening.
Breathing and Exercise
The Ocean Breeze gives you salty air and calms your nervous system as you breathe in the air to cleanse the lungs. Running or walking on the beach increases your breathing which is good for the lungs and the heart. You get exercise when you are walking on the uneven sand. Beach walking is more difficult and will increase your exercise. You are exercising and you didn’t even know it.
Relaxation and Calming
When you go to the beach, you can usually relax. Sit back and talk, sleep, read a book, or hang out in the water. Research shows that blue spaces help reduce anxiety and promote well-being. The ocean beach and the lake beach both provide blue spaces.
When you hear the sound of ocean waves your brain waves change patterns. These waves are the same brain waves as meditation. Who couldn’t fall asleep to the ocean waves? The Beach Calms your brainwaves, decreases your anxiety, and gives you rest. This peace also enhances your creativity. I once was able to write a short book as I sat in the ocean air. If you are lacking creativity or calmness then Beach Time is what is needed.
Sunshine
The Sunshine feels great but Vitamin D from the sun boosts your immune system. Sunlight without sunscreen for 10-20 minutes in spring/ summer allows your body to produce Vitamin D and serotonin for calmness. Vitamin D is also helpful for your bone health. Sunshine at the beach can affect your circadian cycle which regulates sleep and it’s good for the Brain. Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health – PMC
Salt Water
Saltwater and sand act as natural skin exfoliators and detoxify your skin. Saltwater contains iodine, which can act as a natural antibiotic. Ocean water is also filled with magnesium and potassium, which can be absorbed through your skin and help you detoxify. Sitting in the ocean is kind of like taking an Epsom salt bath.
Improves Sleep and Life
You get home from the Beach and of course, you will sleep better. You get adequate sunshine, exercise, ocean air, and lots of exercise. Your whole body gets everything it needs. It makes you want to go to the beach every single day. Now that would be nice.
Beach Time Vacation
If I haven’t talked you into planning your next beach vacation in the next 2-6 months, you should. Your body, and mind need this to relax and improve all areas of your life So get planning and go to the Beach.
Here is a beach blog to get some ideas of my favorite beaches I have enjoyed in the East. Or book a flight and head to Florida or California Beaches this winter. Beach Vacations in the Carolinas & Virginia
Beach Snacks and Meals
Here are Beach snacks you can take to the Beach to keep getting your nutrients and stay healthy.
- Water, Electrolyte packets, Sparkling Water
- Carrot chips/baby carrots/raw veggies dipped in hummus or Guacamole.
- Fruit, yogurt, boiled eggs, nuts and seeds, Cheese and saltine crackers.
- Grab a salad from the store deli or a wrap for a healthy meal.
Tortelini Pasta Salad
Here is one of my favorite tortellini pasta salads to take to the beach. Pack it in bowls with a cover and don’t forget your fork. This is perfect for lunch or dinner and the sunset.
- 1-2lbs frozen cheese tortellini (May need to adjust dressing with 2 lbs)
- 2 cups boneless skinless chicken- chopped into bite-size chunks (chicken is optional)
- 1 cup cubed or crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1 large Persian cucumber chopped
- ½ cup black olives Optional
- 2/3 cup marinated chopped artichoke hearts
Dressing
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (I use some of the oil from the artichoke hearts)
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup sweet onion chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh herbs- parsley, dill, basil oregano, and thyme – mixed or two of them.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Cook tortellini and cool under running cold water. Chop all veggies and add to bowl with the tortellini. Mix up the dressing, add to the salad, and cool in the refrigerator. Add to small bowls with covers to serve at the beach. Pack with an ice pack in a cooler. Yum!
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