Go to the Beach for Your Health

More than 400 years ago, English physicians recommended cold water for everything from heat stroke to melancholy. 

In the 1800's sea resorts were popular for treating tuberculosis. 

In 1944 The Journal of the American Medical Association promoted the sun, air and sea as a cure for everything from tuberculosis to a cold. TheAtlantic

I don't think doctors today believe that a visit to the the beach will cure medical conditions but recent studies prove that a beach-type environment can improve our brains and mental health. Inc  Visiting the beach can also provide feelings of calm and peace.  NBCNews

In addition to stress relief a visit to the beach can also increase levels of serotonin, boost your immune system, soften the soles of your feet, provide Vitamin D, and reduce sinus inflammation.

1. Exposure to Negative Ions - The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions.  Negative ions are molecules floating in the air or atmosphere that have been charged with electricity.  They are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale.  Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin which helps to reduce depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.  WebMD

2. Swimming in Cold Water - Being in cold water boosts your immune system. Cold water helps to increase the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at activating its defenses.  IPRSHealth

3. Foot Massage -  Walking barefoot on sand and standing in the water will massage the soles of your feet.  The sand will exfoliate your feet.  No need for a fancy foot scrub. Walking on sand will exfoliate dead skin cells and make your feet feel softer.  AtlanticView  

4. Exposure to Sunlight - Spending just ten minutes outside in the sun can actually allow a person to absorb their daily dose of vitamin D directly through their skin.  TheFactSite  Vitamin D may help protect you from influenza. HealthLine   Vitamin D is also good for lowering your blood pressure, supporting your immune system and helping with rheumatoid arthritis.  WideOpenEats  

5. Respiratory/Allergy Relief - Ocean swimming and exposure to the salt environment could provide reduced symptoms of hay fever and sinusitis, as well as other respiratory symptoms.  This is because the saline effect on the lining of sinuses may reduce inflammation.  TheConversation  Inhalation of seal air will result in the loosening of the mucus in the respiratory tracts, which makes coughing easier and so helps clear airways. ReadersDigest

Not only is going to the beach a fun filled and relaxing way to spend the day, it is also good for you!  Just remember to wear sunscreen.

Revisit Childhood Activities

I have noticed that the activities I liked to do as a child I also like to do as an adult.

My parents exposed me to many activities as a very young child. I went to swimming lessons, played at the park and went camping.

As I grew more independent I was able to chose how I spent my time with my friends.

In fourth grade I spent a lot of time in the woods with my best friend.  We explored the paths in the woods behind our neighborhood and built a teepee using fallen trees.  After school and all summer long we played in the woods - HIKING

From fourth grade to junior high my friends and I biked to Harper's Hardware and 7-11 for candy and slurpees - BIKING

I also played on a soccer team for many years.  I  wasn't very good at dribbling or passing the ball but I loved to run across the field chasing the ball  - RUNNING

During the summer of seventh grade I spent a lot of time swimming in my friend's pool. We played volleyball, raced each other swimming the length of the pool and lounged on a floatie - SWIMMING

When I was in high school during the winter we went to a skating rink on Friday nights and roller skated to music.   During a slow song I would skate with a boy holding hands - ROLLER BLADING

Today I still enjoy hiking, biking, running, swimming and roller blading.  If you are looking for a healthy activity you should think about what you enjoyed doing during your childhood.

Did you like to play tetherball in the playground?  If so, why don't you join a volleyball team?

What about gymnastics?  It seems like all the flexible people in my yoga and pilates classes mention that they did gymnastics as a child.

How about dance?  Did you take dance classes?  You could try Zumba or ball room dancing.

What about other activities:  basketball, tennis, golf, karate, rock climbing etc.?

Try it out again!

You might enjoy revisting activities you did as a child and it is a healthy way to spend your time.