Why Taking a Vacation to the Ocean is Good for Your Health
The hustle and bustle of city life can often make us forget what the wonders of nature can do to improve our overall health. When we are surrounded by asphalt, pollution and crowded city streets we are far removed from any type of natural environment. For me, the time to spread my wings and explore the pleasures of nature came in a
rather unlikely way.
After a minor surgery, I decided to head to Cyprus, an island with some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean, to recover. With the sun on my skin and the soft, warm sand under my feet I began to wonder why I had not visited here earlier. I would often stare at the beautiful ocean and its foamy surf and find myself feeling content, healthier and happier.
I later discovered that the ocean has a bit of its own medicinal powers. Moving air, moving water and sunlight cause air molecules to break apart resulting in the release of charged ions into the atmosphere. This creates a great quantity of negatively charged ions in the ocean air. Negatively charged ions have been known to produce beneficial effects on the heart and mind and act as great de-stressors. A vacation by the ocean helps you breathe in plenty of those negative ions which are great for healthy blood circulation.
Surfing and swimming in the ocean can also bring ample health benefits. Not only is this great exercise, but the ocean’s salty waves actually contain lots of ions that come from sodium sulphate and magnesium chloride. The negative ions in these salty waves help in lifting depression by causing the body to release serotonin, a feel good hormone, also released after exercise. Since these negatively charged ions are found in large quantities in natural environments like forests, waterfalls and mountains, people here often find themselves feeling relaxed and cheerful. Just walking along the ocean can also be great exercise, as the sand provides resistance which makes the body work harder thus toning the muscles.
I found the Cyprus to be like a little piece of heaven on earth. With clean and beautiful waters, it has some amazing raw terrain. The island has forest covered mountains and paths that can be explored by adventurous mountain biker’s after an early morning swim. I found the locals to be most welcoming and hospitable, and the local cuisine is delightful. With plenty of restaurants, hotels in Cyprus, villas and camping sites, this island is the ultimate spot for some fun in the sun and relaxation under the stars. With its gorgeous and breath taking scenery, Cyprus really provided me the much needed break fromthe polluted and hectic city life.
Amy Livingston is an avid traveler and a contributing writer for AphroditeHills.com
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with you. Holiday to ocean beside good for health, it also make fresh mind. But I never go to Cyprus. I hope one day I can go there.
I agree with your point, that taking a break from the everyday hustle-bustle of our city-life does good to our body and brain. Being close to nature is a great stress-buster and what can be more appropriate than a beach for a vacation!! The silent depth of the ocean is very peaceful and soothing. Besides, oceans have it’s unique flaura and fauna, which is so colorful and lively, that it keeps you just spellbound! I liked your experience in the Cyprus beach as like I enjoyed a bit of the Mediterranean island, through this.
Wow, Its really a great post. I was really unaware of such information. I think this will really help me lot. I promise from next time will go for beach to spend my vacations. lol.
Beaches are the best places to enjoy the health. I have got chance to visit the Venice beach and spent some holiday days in fun and love.
fully agree with you that occasion are the best things which can improves our health instead of going with a depressed life. occasions brings happiness which is very essential for every human
No wonder I feel so good in the morning! My friend and I talk walks on the beach every morning and it’s always a tranquil feeling to walk next to the ocean. Now I know that there is more to my happiness that doesn’t just stem from our conversations. I learned something new today. Thank you!
Taking a vacation to the beach is a great thing! You can fall in love with the area and then buy a property from me:)
I absolutely agree! It is really relaxing! Very lucky for me, I live in Thailand which has so many beautiful beaches!! When we plan for holidays, we always end up going to the beach! It’s fun and so refreshing getting in touch with the nature!
Sorry, my keyboard went a little numb, and didn’t include a @ in my comment name. Here it is again:
Cyprus is quite a small island and very easy to get around. You can see quite a lot in even a short holiday. Limassol is quite a good base and from there you could explore Limassol itself, Curium, Troodos, Paphos Akamas etc. It is a great island to explore and I think it has something for everyone. But I can also highly recommend Turks and Caicos Islands, it’s a real heaven on Earth!
Thanks for the great post. I think I have heard similar info about oceanic climates in the past. I am sure that benefits would be greater noticed by those visiting for greater lengths of time and coming from filthy big city environs.
While its seems to be clear there are health benefits of these locations, I wonder how long it would take before noticeable results would be clear?
I think maybe I need to go and find out for myself. Thanks again for a great read! Dave
I fully agree with you that vacation is good for our health. Even if it not in the beach but simply taking a vacation can really be a great help for us. I already tested and proven this strategy. Whenever I feel stress and depress I grab my ipod and take a simple walk or a jog at the part. That could make me release my anxieties.
I just got back from a week at the beach in Santa Cruz at Manressa Beach. It was so great. We were out on the beach every day boogey boarding and playing in the surf. It really was a nice way to kind of recharge and get exposed to nature and the sun and forget about ringtones and email and the net and all of that for a week or two is so nice. But, let me tell you when you finally get in your car and do actually turn your phone on all those beeps and dings of messages and texts and emails just waiting is like a little band playing on your phone lol.
I agree, the ocean is better then Tampa Bay.
I have to drive from Tampa over to Titusville this weekend, can’t wait!
Vacations are cool. They help a person recharge and take a break from the rat race. I make it a point to vacation at least once a year. I go out of the country, visit my mother or just spend a week not working and just relaxing at home.
Cyprus sounds just gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to visit the Mediterranean; still plan to someday! I traveled once to the Gulf coast of Florida; the white sand beaches in Sarasota were some of the most relaxing I’ve ever seen.
All that salt in the air makes wonders to your lungs (especially if you’re a smoker).
Since i was a kid, my parents used to take me and my sister to the beach every year because she was frail and the strong air would always help her for a short while.
It is the negative Ion’s in the ocean that calm us I think. I get a certain peaceful feeling around salt water, even right here on Tampa Bay. Just not at low tide
Yeah, negative ions can definitely have a positive impact on your health. If you’re really interested in this subject, perhaps you should check into Himalayan Salt Lamps and/or other related products, as they release negative ions as well, when heated. I have them all over the house, and it also gives the place a more natural look… You know, that reminds me, I did a blog post about this very subject, a while back. You can find it here: http://perpendicularity.org/blog/2010/10/11/himalayan-salt/ Cheers!
I will check into the salt lamps. There used to be talk about negative ion generators, besides Tampa Bay.
This is my first time to bump into these infos. However, I already find it interesting and very informative. I am the typical health conscious person so having read all these things made me more conscious. At least, I now have new ideas that can be helpful to my health.
Surfing is the best medicine. I love Costa Rica because it has two coasts to choose from. Wherever you are, the beach is always a great place to recharge your batteries.
Any time you can take some time to get away from the day to day rush and relax is good for your health. I think it is so easy to get swept up in the daily grind that we forget to take time for ourselves. A vacation is a great chance to revitalize.
It is definitely important to take a break at least once a year to get away from it all and forget about your worries for a bit. The sea air is very good for you.