Have you ever experienced an intense sense of peace near the sea? The truth is that the hustle and bustle of the waves offers several benefits that we often ignore.
Last update: June 15, 2022
If you are lucky enough to live on the coast or if you usually spend the summer in a coastal setting, you have certainly noticed a change in your mood as you approach the sea. Perhaps you attribute it to the vacation, yet the question goes further. The proximity to the sea offers several benefits on the mind, which we present in this article.
When we are near the coast we feel serene, happy and safe; we sleep better and life seems to move at a different pace.
It is not a figment of the imagination, the sea really has an impact on physical and psychological health and spending time near it is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves. We explain why.
Psychological benefits of being close to the sea
Perhaps you have experienced firsthand the fantastic benefits of being close to the sea. Among them we can mention the following:
- It induces states of calm and relaxation. Relieves stress and nervousness and helps fight anxiety disorders.
- Generate positive emotions, increases the feeling of well-being, happiness and fullness. Therefore, it can be useful in combating some depressive symptoms.
- Promote awareness and helps to clear the mind of worries.
- Stimulate creativity and promotes concentration.
- Provides mental clarity and better cognitive activity.
- Improve sleep quality and prevents ailments such as insomnia.
Why is the sea good for psychological health?
The proximity to the sea offers many advantages. But what are these effects due to? A series of factors that we examine in the following lines.
It is a natural environment
Humans are animals as well the mere fact of getting in touch with nature triggers or produces changes in the body and mind.
In our urban environments, saturated with stimuli and totally accelerated, we can get sick. However, near the sea we slow down our thoughts, reduce activation and eliminate stress.
The blue color and its emotional effects
According to the psychology of color, each shade generate certain psychological and emotional states in the human being. In particular, the blue color instills calm and relaxation and gives a sense of security. Looking at the sea is ideal for reducing anger or anxiety.
Greater oxygenation
The proximity to the sea allows you to inhale the sea breeze deeply, so we can oxygenate ourselves better and fill your lungs with cleaner, purer air.
This helps us reduce tension and fight some physiological signs of anxiety. Likewise, there is greater activation of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for reasoning, analysis and decision making.
White noise and alpha waves
Those who dedicate themselves to meditation will have verified that the sound of the sea is one of the most used elements in this discipline. This because the sound of the waves promotes relaxation and rest.
It is a repetitive, constant and harmonic sound (the so-called white noise), which causes the brain to enter an alpha state. It therefore helps us fall asleep and feel calmer.
Likewise, these brain waves foster creativity, the emergence of new ideas and the ability to resolve situations.
Proximity to the sea and muscle relaxation
Diving in sea water is also a great activity. The feeling of lightness that it gives us and the meeting of the waves on the body promote muscle relaxation.
Furthermore, the proximity to the sea can encourage us to practice sports more regularly; and this promotes night rest and can be very useful for those suffering from insomnia.
Take advantage and enjoy the proximity to the sea
A stay on the coast can be of great help to fight daily stress, get in touch with the environment and with yourself, as well as increase satisfaction levels.
Those who do not have this possibility, however, can obtain the same benefits through other resources. For example, spending time in other natural settings, listening to the sound of the ocean or taking advantage of the benefits of chromotherapy.
If, on the other hand, you have the opportunity to often find yourself near the sea, you shouldn't hesitate. Physical and mental health will benefit greatly.
