Why Heading Outdoors is Good for Your Health

What is it about the sea that always puts us in a good mood and relaxes us?  No matter what is going on in my life, if I take some time out and head to the beach for a quick walk or nature hike with the family, I always come back home feeling relaxed and in a good mood.  There are many proven health benefits for heading to the beach that can’t be overlooked!  But even spending time outdoors – no matter where you go – is so good for your mind and spirit!  Take the time to relax your body and mind and head outdoors!

Here are some proven benefits of going to the beach:

The waves relax our mind and body

According to research, the sound of the waves changes the wave patterns in our brain lulling us into a deeply tranquil state. When were relaxed, our mind and body rejuvenates. Also, when we’re floating on water, blood in our lower limbs is pumped up towards our abdominal and chest region where the heart is. This brings more oxygen to our brain, making us more active and alert in the process.

Fresh sea air helps you sleep better

The sea air is packed with healthy negative ions that boost our ability to absorb oxygen. These negative ions balance the serotonin level, a body chemical that affects mood and stress in our body, making us more relaxed, yet alert and energized. That’s why we always sleep more soundly after spending the day on the beach.  And now it makes sense why we come home feeling more relaxed!  The negative ions help balance the feel-good hormones serotonin!

Salt air helps combats mood disorders

The negative ions in salt air also lift the emotional state of those who are depressed and suffering from mood disorders. A lot of studies have been done showing that for some people, Negative Ion Therapy, can help with mental health problems. Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy. (Source: WebMD).

Sea air boosts immune system

According to a study done in University of California, the sea air has a lot of free electrons that neutralizes free radicals in our body. The negative ions in it can kill bacteria thus improving the health and immune system of people inhaling it. Researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow discovered that negative ions are able to help protect the body from induced physical stress. (Source: Nutrition Review).

Lying on the beach relieves stress

The heat of the sun on our skin affects our endocrine system. This secretes endorphins in our body that makes us feel relaxed and less stressed. Not to mention the benefits of Vitamin D we absorb while getting sunlight on our skin. It is called the “sunshine vitamin” for a reason! Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. (Source: Healthline).

Basking in the sun can help with some skin diseases

Controlled amounts of sun rays can be good for those who have psoriasis. The ultra violet radiation of the sun rays help make the skin dry and flaky faster, allowing for new skin to replace the dead ones. And coming back to Vitamin D, which helps reduce inflammation throughout your body. The nutrient, as well as the UV rays from light exposure, can help clear or prevent psoriasis plaques. Just be sure to take caution and use an organic sunscreen.  (Source: Healthline).

When I head outdoors I do like to wear something comfy but cute!  The nice thing about wearing a cute workout outfit is that you can go about your day and wear it all day long!  I know you busy moms know what I am talking about.  Some days you just want to wear something super comfy but not at the expense of looking like you just rolled out of bed.  One of my favorite companies, prAna, asked that I write about their clothing and yoga wear and I was happy to do so since I’ve been wearing their clothing for years now.

They create versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing and accessories that you can wear during every activity, every adventure, every day. And I’ve found that their clothing is super durable and lasts longer than other brands I’ve used. prAna bases their designs on their employees’ own experiences, using their knowledge to make clothes that look good and play hard. prAna loves to combine classic & urban style with sustainable materials, and they are always mindful of where and how their creations are made.