Is walking on the beach therapeutic?

Walking on the beach has proven benefits to your emotional and mental health. A 2019 study found that spending at least two hours in nature per week helps lower levels of cortisol, a primary stress hormone. It also increased overall feelings of well-being.



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Some studies show short walks along the beach can boost your mood and affect your mental health. This is because the beach is considered a blue space -- a water source such as an ocean, lake, pond, or swimming pool. Exposure to blue spaces has been linked to overall improved health.

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A walk on the beach is great for the body and mind. It's a wonderful workout and is especially good for strengthening the legs, knees, and ankles. It also burns more calories than walking on flat surfaces like concrete or a treadmill. Just be sure to know your limits, especially on super steep slopes or rocky terrain.

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“A stroll on the sand requires a different kind of effort compared to walking on a hard surface like a pavement or a treadmill.” Since the softness, variability, and instability of sand demands more energy, White says this activates the muscles in your feet, ankles and legs, which promotes even more strength and ...

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The fresh air and the sound of the waves can help to relax and clear your mind, and walking can also help to increase your energy levels and reduce stress. Walking on the sand and breathing in fresh sea air can allow you to focus on other things.

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In fact, the repetitive sound and sight of waves promote a meditative state. That's why when we're at the beach, we feel unburdened, lighter, and this positively affects our mood.

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The sunlight soaking into our skin at the beach spikes our bodies' production of Vitamin D and serotonin, releasing all kinds of feel-good chemicals in our brains.

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1-When walking along the beach, you burn twice the calories as normal and tone your muscles more than walking on any other surface. You will notice this especially in the ankles, calves and legs because they will be strengthened.

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Sand on bare feet feels like a massage. Even if you are just sitting and pushing your feet around in the sand you'll get the same feeling. Walking in any natural setting is relaxing and helps reduce stress. Being near the water, with the sound of the waves hitting the shore, is especially soothing.

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Many people prefer to walk barefoot on the beach, but if you're going to be out for a while, shoes should be worn. And we don't mean flip-flops! Wearing flimsy sandals or no shoes at all can increase your risk of injury since the feet and ankles aren't supported.

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The fresh salty sea air is full of negative ions, believed to help alleviate depression and the increased levels of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which soaks into our skin makes us feel good,” says Joe S.

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According to an article by NBC news, the sounds of the waves, coupled with other visual stimuli, help to trigger your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you with feeling more relaxed. No wonder why there are so many YouTube sleep aid videos incorporating the sounds of the ocean.

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Walking on sand will exfoliate dead skin cells and make your feet feel softer. There's nothing more relaxing than strolling near the water and listening to the sounds of the ocean. Leave the shoes at home to symbolize leaving your cares behind.

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Salt Water Is Healthy For You Not only is the salty air good for you, but so is the salt water. Salt water is excellent for cleaning up infections and acts as an antibacterial. There is iodine in the water as well, which is known to help boost your immune system.

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Likewise, spending time at the beach can lessen anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious. It lifts your mood. Time on the beach increases your self-esteem and promotes relaxation. People with attention deficit disorder can feel calmer at the beach.

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