What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Being Near the Ocean?

The ocean is a beautiful and amazing part of nature. It is full of life and life-giving resources. Stretching from continent to continent, our oceans connect us all as part of one planet. When you stand on a beach and dip your toes in the water, it is easy to understand the benefits of being near the ocean for our well-being. Being near beautiful Laguna Beach is one of the many amazing resources available to foster mental health wellness at Alter Wellness Care. 

What Do We Need for Positive Well-Being?

Our mental health is a composite of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This sense of well-being affects how we relate to others, how we feel about the world around us, and influences our behavior. Having a positive sense of well-being can help us handle change and stress in our lives. Moreover, positive well-being can be strengthened by making sure that our emotional, psychological, and social needs are being met.

There are many different strategies available to strengthen your mental health. Finding things that help you relax and take a break from your daily responsibilities can certainly be beneficial. Participating in hobbies that challenge you and help you find joy can also be an important part of mental wellness. In addition, taking time to connect with your social group is essential. The ocean can be involved in many of these strategies for improving mental health.

Mental Health Benefits of Being Near the Ocean

Spending time surrounded by nature, like the ocean, has a variety of mental health benefits. Our brains are wired to respond positively to the sight of natural landscapes, the smell of fresh air, and the sounds of the natural world around us. Simply put, being near the ocean can help us feel better.

According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, being near the ocean can help you reduce your stress levels and lower your blood pressure. It can also improve how well your brain is functioning by increasing your cognitive functions. You may be better able to focus and be more productive if you spend regular time near the ocean. Furthermore, it can have a positive effect on the quality of your sleep and help you reduce symptoms of anxiety ad depression.

Physical Health Benefits of Being Near the Ocean

In addition to lowering blood pressure, the ocean offers plenty of opportunities to improve your physical health. For example, being near the ocean means that you have access to an abundance of physical recreational activities. Increasing the amount of exercise you are getting each week can have a positive effect on your mental health. 

You might consider trying some of these amazing activities if you find yourself near the ocean:

• Hiking
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Walking or Running
• Volleyball or other sports
• Snorkeling
• Biking

As there are so many different ways to enjoy yourself near the ocean, you just have to find something that you enjoy and add it to your routine.

Using the Ocean to Feel Connected

When you choose to spend time at the beach or in the ocean, you will likely be there with other people. You can use the opportunity to create new social connections or to have a casual conversation with someone. You could also plan beach get-togethers with friends or family. Connecting with other people can boost your self-esteem and confidence. You will feel happier by enjoying the beach together.

Even if you don’t interact with anyone around you, take the time to realize that you are surrounded by people who are experiencing the same sensations as you at the exact same time. Think about how the ocean connects all the beaches in the world, and that there are likely people all over the world enjoying an ocean view just like you are. 

Bonus Benefits of Being Near the Ocean

There are a few more benefits that may come from being near the ocean. Negative air ions are plentiful at the beach because of the minerals in the water and the crashing of the waves. They are said to have a positive effect on our moods, productivity, and sense of well-being. 

Additionally, because the ocean is salt water with increased buoyancy, you can float easily on top of the water. By floating in the ocean, you can achieve some of the same sensations as being in a therapeutic flotation tank. Suspending your body weight and experiencing the feeling of weightlessness can promote relaxation and improve your mood.

Alter Wellness Care at Laguna Beach

If you are seeking professional mental health support, Alter Wellness Care has an amazing facility with easy access to the beach. While working on your mental health, you can also enjoy all the health benefits of being near the ocean. We offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options that we can put into your individualized treatment plan. It is our goal to encourage each of our clients to take full advantage of the natural environment and the ocean as they foster mental and physical wellness in their lives.

Being near the ocean can help you bolster your mental health and overall well-being in many ways. You can find relaxation and a sense of connection with the world around you, which are essential factors to our mental health. At Alter Wellness Care, we have facilities near beautiful Laguna Beach. Our clients can enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of being near the ocean while having access to our evidence-based mental health resources. Our compassionate team will work with you to develop an individual treatment plan that will be uniquely designed to fit your needs. Call us today at (866) 311-3510 for more information about our amazing facility and mental health services.