Long before any scientific evidence to prove that time spent on the beach was good for health, 18th-century doctors were already prescribing visits to the seashore for patients with respiratory problems. A study conducted by researchers at the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences in Japan found that residents who live near the beach show better psychological effects.
For many Cardiff-by-the-Sea residents, the best way to start the day is to enjoy the morning sun and the salty breeze while walking or running on the beach. Time spent on the beach can benefit your physical, emotional, and mental health. Therefore, when you have only a weekend to recharge your batteries and unwind, choose a quaint beach town as your destination.
Time Spent on the Beach - Effects on Physical Well-Being
You may have noticed that you feel wholly recharged and more relaxed after a day on the beach. Time spent at the seashore can tremendously benefit our physical health due to the combined effects of the salty breeze, sand, and seawater. The sunlight and the seawater can ease the symptoms of various skin problems, including skin rashes, inflammation, acne, allergies, psoriasis, and eczema. It is essential, though, to take precautions to avoid sunburn. Long walks in the sand barefoot also have many benefits, as our feet have a rich network of nerves and acupuncture points. The stimulation of these points results in better health and overall wellbeing. We all know that exposure to sunlight increases the vitamin D level. When we spend time on the beach, we can reap the benefits of sunlight, and this is the most natural and fun way to get our healthy dose of this vital substance. Vitamin D contributes to calcium regulation in the bloodstream, essential for collagen production, which ensures our skin’s elasticity and firmness.
An increased level of vitamin D also brings:
Calmness, joy, happiness
Healthy and strong bones
Strong immune system
Relaxation and stress relief
When choosing the destination for your weekend getaway, you should also consider the climate and air quality. The sea air mist rich in salt, iodine, and magnesium strengthens the immune system. According to the Lung Institute, the ocean breeze improves respiratory functions as it is rich in negative ions, which, research suggests, improve the ability to absorb oxygen. The negative ions also increase the serotonin level in our body, making us feel happier. Several studies show that ocean air has a tonic effect on the respiratory system. It helps with related problems such as lung diseases, asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections as it can soothe the respiratory system’s mucosal lining, reducing mucus formation and wheezing. Sea water can do wonders for the skin, keeping it hydrated and regenerated, and on a hot summer day, there is nothing more pleasant than a refreshing splash in the ocean! The seawater rich in minerals - magnesium, sodium, selenium, potassium, calcium, and iodine - can also regenerate inflamed skin and help in soothing skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. We have all learned by now the tremendous benefits of an active lifestyle, and the beach is one of those places that inspire us to exercise, whether we prefer walking, running, doing yoga, or pilates.
Time Spent on the Beach - Effects on Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Here in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the beach is our best go-to place whenever we feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed by intense negative emotions. There is something so calming about the smell of the salty air and the feeling of sand beneath our feet. The sky’s light blue and the greenish-blue of the ocean are known as some of the most calming colors that have a positive psychological impact on people, boosting their mood while reducing stress and anxiety.
According to Richard Shuster, a clinical psychologist, being on the beach and admiring the ocean can induce a relaxed state of mind: “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.”
Spending time at the beach impacts our emotional and mental health in so many ways:
lowers the stress hormones level
reduces anxiety and stress
soothes the nerves
enables relaxation and calm
promotes joy and optimism
Weekend Getaway to Cardiff-by-the-Sea Beaches
Are you ready to reap the benefits of the pristine Cardiff beaches? You can engage in dozens of beach activities with friends or family, including long morning and evening walks, family picnics, sunbathing, yoga, meditation, exercise, and other leisure activities. Whether you want to have a weekend filled with fun and excitement or prefer to do yoga and meditate in a tranquil spot, with so many exceptional beaches in and around Cardiff, you’ll find the right one for you.