Spending a vacation at the sea allows you to unplug and relax, but the proximity to water and the presence of the sun also offer many other health benefits.
1. Getting your fill of vitamin D
The sun enables us to synthesize vitamin D, a very important substance for our bodies (it is essential for healthy bones, helps to have healthy skin, and can also improve mental function). Of the rest, we can hardly meet our needs for this vitamin by getting it from food alone.
2. Healthier and younger skin
Wet sand acts as a natural exfoliant and removes dead skin cells from the feet, leaving the skin soft, healthy and rejuvenated. The ideal way to enjoy this benefit is to take a daily walk on soft sand near the shore. It should also be mentioned that seawater helps improve skin elasticity. The sun's UV rays also act on the skin by drying it out, and this can be of great help especially for people suffering from psoriasis and other dermatological problems.
3. Improves depression and mood
The sea and the sun are powerful natural antidepressants. Spending a few days in contact with nature can improve mood and chase away depression. It is no coincidence that people tend to be happier in the warmer months. Sunlight has a positive effect on stress but also on sleep and appetite.
4. Decreases stress levels
Sand and the sea are excellent tools for unplugging from everyday life and thus decreasing the stress levels we accumulate every day. Walking is also excellent, in our feet there are thousands of nerve endings and walking on sand is a system to stimulate them by performing a real massage.
5. Calms anxiety
The sound of the sea is very beneficial to our nervous system. Listening to the waves crashing on the shore can actually calm anxiety and lull us into a relaxed state that allows the release of dopamine and serotonin.
6. Promotes physical activity
Whether it's a walk in the sand or inside seawater, whether it's swimming, running, playing beach volleyball, surfing or whatever, generally during a beach vacation we tend to move more. In this way we are able to stay in better shape and avoid sedentariness and weight gain.
7. Helps with weight loss and water retention
The benefits on the body of spending a few days at the beach can also be felt on the waistline and the beauty of the legs. In fact, walking on the sand and in the water helps fight water retention and increase metabolism with benefits for those on a diet. In addition, calories are burned and circulation is reactivated at its best.
8. Stimulates the immune system
Seawater contains several minerals and other compounds that help strengthen the immune system and rid the body of toxins; it also helps cuts and wounds heal faster. The presence of iodine in sea air also gives support to our body's natural defenses.
9. Respiratory well-being
Sea air is known for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system. Due to the large amount of mineral salts it contains, it helps the good health of the bronchi and lungs and unclogs the nose by thinning any mucus present.
10. You sleep better
It is said that the sea tires, and indeed for most people it does, especially for children. After a few hours spent in beach, walking, doing other activities or swimming, the body needs rest and this promotes a good night's sleep.
