After a chemistry test today, I went to Mugu Beach for a bit to wind down. Mugu is a very convenient beach to visit, being only 10 minutes from campus. It is almost never crowded, with usually only a few fishermen and beachgoers there.The only downside, of course, is having to pay for parking. Besides that though, it is very nice to be able to just sit on the sand and watch the waves, forgetting about life, school, etc. for a little while.
While I’m sure everyone in this class can personally attest to enjoying the beach, there are actually some proven health benefits of visiting the beach. Its relaxing setting, with its natural beauty, soothing rhythm of waves, and even the blue color of the ocean does much to put people at ease. A study in Japan that studied the link between coastal environments and well being found that residents living on the coast showed higher positive psychological effects and lower negative ones than residents living inland.
The components that make up the beach have their own health benefits as well. Sunlight, a common feature at the beach, appears to trigger serotonin production in the skin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the body that performs a host of functions, but is perhaps best known for its role in mood regulation, with low serotonin levels being linked to depression. This link between serotonin production and sunlight may offer some explanation for seasonal depression, with less sunlight exposure leading to lower serotonin levels. Luckily, the beach is the perfect place to soak up some rays and produce serotonin. Another benefit of a sunny day at the beach is getting vitamin D. When we expose our skin to the sun, it triggers production of vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium and build strong bones. Just 10 minutes of sun exposure can give you your daily dose.
Walking in sand also has its own benefits. Not only does it feel good and remove dead skin, but it also provides more resistance than hard surfaces, exercising your foot muscles better. The ocean of course provides an excellent place to swim in. Swimming is a great exercise, working most of the major muscle groups, with water providing increased resistance. In addition to this, several studies have shown a link between swimming and and increase in mood and overall mental health.
With finals coming up and the stress kicking in, there is no better time to sneak away to Mugu to take a break from studying for a bit. I know I certainly will be.
Sources:
https://www.medicaldaily.com/health-benefits-beach-3-reasons-hit-beach-summer-246789
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494411000612
https://www.longdom.org/open-access/effects-of-the-coastal-environment-on-wellbeing-jczm-1000421.pdf
I really enjoyed your blog post. It was interesting to read about the statistics behind the health properties of the beach. I really think more people should spend more time at the beach in their lives.
I would have to agree with you on the properties of sand and how it can in a way cleanse yourself in a way. I just didn’t know that it was dead skin that was being cleansed. Good Job!
Interesting lens, Eric! I agree that the beach can be healing. I used to go to a chiropractor by the beach, so I’d walk at the beach after my appointments. The chiropractor (himself a surfer) encouraged my beach walks, saying they can benefit my skeletal health if I maintain good posture. I stopped going to the chiropractor (that dude didn’t help me much), but I miss my beach walks. What a nice addition to my day they were. Your post reminds me of how helpful it can be (in more ways than one) to spend time at the beach. Thanks!