I have always retreated to my family beach house when I need to recharge, restore, and rejuvenate. The minute I can feel the little puddle jumper plane make its descent over the Gulf of Mexico to the airstrip below, my body literally relaxes and my breath exhales.

Out goes the stress, tension, anxiety, pressure, and fear that the city life can bring. In comes the undeniable euphoria of fresh, salty ocean air followed by those palm tree lined ocean views and occasional signs to remind you “life’s a beach”.

Nothing makes me happier than taking that first dip in the ocean at the start of summer. The cool sea breeze on your face, the beautiful backdrop of blue green water, and that feel good moment when you finally submerge your skin in the salty sea is unbeatable. But, the benefits of salt water are beyond just refreshing.

1. Spending time near the ocean will actually make you calmer. Scientists call the brain to body of water connection a “blue mind”. Essentially the brain is lulled into a state of rest when we see, hear, smell, or feel the ocean. Taking a much needed mental vacation from stimulation also causes dopamine and serotonin to be released which makes you happy. Bonus!

2. Ocean water has skin healing powers. Salt is a natural antibacterial that quickly speeds up the healing time of cuts, scrapes, and burns as well as chronic autoimmune conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Plus, internal inflammation is likely to heal much more quickly after spending some QT in the ocean.

3. Salt and sand are natural exfoliants. Riding the sea salt crusted waves can help remove dead skin leaving your chronic dry areas like knuckles, elbows, heels, and knees more soft and supple. Cue more hand holding on your next beach stroll.

4. You can breathe better. Salt water can have a saline effect on the lining of your sinus. A good sinus rinse in the ocean can reduce inflammation for respiratory infections, hay fever, and seasonal allergies and save you $8.99 on that Neti Pot.

5. Salt water can give you your daily dose of magnesium. An estimated 75% of adults don’t get the recommended daily amount of magnesium. Magnesium is essential for muscle function, blood coagulation, nutrient metabolism, and sleep. Sea water is rich with magnesium and by simply taking a quick dip will allow your skin to absorb what it needs.

6. Sea water strengthens the immune system. Sea water serves as a natural medicine for people with a weakened immune system, anemia, and high blood sugar levels. Exposure to the ocean organically increases the production of red blood cells between five to 20 percent while number of white blood cells increases even more.

7. The ocean water can reduce inflammation. Ocean water can ease joint and muscle pain, arthritis, circulatory, and post-surgical issues when combined with movement.

8. Ocean H20 cleanses the colon. Swallowing a little ocean water is inevitable during a day at the beach. But, ingesting small amounts of the briny brew can help cleanse the colon and detoxify the body.

9. Salt water can cure insomnia. A day in the ocean can literally help you drift off to sleep. The sea salt in the water naturally lowers blood pressure and calms the nervous system helping beachcombers fall asleep faster and sleep better.

10. Spending time near or in the ocean can increase your intake of vitamin D. Thanks to office jobs, digital entertainment, and changes in the environment, 75% of Americans do not absorb the recommended amount of Vitamin D. When you spend time at the beach the sun’s rays are reflected off the water and absorbed through the skin. Soaking up the sun will give you a strong dose of Vitamin D which helps strengthen bones, fight depression, and improve the overall health of your immune and digestive systems.

    Grab your beach bag, a good friend and hit the beach! Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, some yummy snacks, and plenty of quality sunscreen.

    Abundantly, B.E.