VITAMIN SEA AND ITS BENEFITS
Hi guys, Emily here again, with my monthly dose of mindful musings. Today I wanted to talk about the sea, and in general large bodies of water.
Do you remember what it feels like the first time you go to the seaside? Not the first time in your life, but every first time. After you have been away from this deep ocean-blue horizon for a long time, and the moment your bare feet touch the soft sand, you hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and the sun kisses your face, you feel like something inside you, resets. Like a heavy weight has been lifted off your shoulders, you breathe deeply in the fresh salty air, and suddenly… you feel at peace. Do you recognize the feeling?
This is the magic of the sea and the ocean. It happens every first time – when a piece of calmness just falls perfectly into us. And then suddenly, our whole body loosens: we don’t feel this overwhelming tension anymore, and our muscles relax, the severe headache disappears, and the anxiety and stress levels drastically decrease. This state of clear mind and peace are not coincidental but has a scientific explanation, and without boring you too much with facts, I want to share with you the top five factors of why and how being close to the sea brings you peace and joy.
The Colour Blue
We tend to believe that certain colours can evoke specific emotions in us. Usually, we associate blue with the feeling of sadness or aloofness. Lots of research has been done on colours and their psychological effects on people. Blue is no exception. Blue is the colour of stability and reliability. It also calls to mind feelings of calmness and relaxation. It is frequently described as tranquil, orderly, and secure. Surprisingly, blue is the colour that provokes productivity and creativity – this is why so many business offices are decorated in these shades. So, based on research, there is no wonder why we feel so calm and relaxed the second we see the endless horizon of this colour – it immediately influences our brain, and we feel lightweight.
The meditating sound of waves & self-reflection
Reflection and meditation are things that I do on purpose. You know, when you are in an uplifted mood with a lit candle, a journal, and calming music or natural sounds. Surprisingly, every time I walk on the beach, just a few steps from the water, I find myself reflecting unconsciously. Moreover, it’s a fact that people are advised to listen to the sound of waves and sea when stressed. From the soothing effect on the water and the peacefulness of the sound, it offers a kind of healing that no other sound can give. The sound of waves and the simple sensation of just feeling the sand between your toes and the upcoming water trigger the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and lowering heart rates. It helps you stay grounded, slow down, and enjoy the present moment.
The levels of oxygenation are higher
Most of us live in the city – the bigger the city, the more pollution there is. Unfortunately, we are stuck in this poisonous environment without even realizing it until we step away from it and experience what fresh air feels like once again. The oxygenation along the coast is higher, which invitingly whispers to take a deep breath. This is why we feel refreshed and clear-minded. We stay focused way easier and tend to concentrate better being around the coast. The sea air is definitely therapeutic
Water activities have health benefits
Sitting on the beach and gazing through the endless blues of the water is a great way to relax. However, water sports can help you reconnect with nature on a deeper level (no pun intended, ha!). Swimming increases the circulation of blood pressure and helps improve breathing and the capacity of the lungs. Sea kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding can induce a great connection with nature, reminding you of life’s natural beauty and leaving you refreshed and grounded. The so-called ‘cold therapy’ is also a healthy way to test your body's (and mind's) limits, depending on the season. Also, we feel more active and want to be productive not only because of the blue color surrounding us but also because of the clear air and the overall feeling of freedom. Have you noticed how many people go out running at 5 – 6 am? I’m telling you, these people are not some well-trained athletes; it’s just the sudden urge to be active. I have experienced it myself, and believe me, I’m not a morning person. And the feeling of physical healthy tiredness combined with feeling recharged is amazing.
the Seaside improves mindfulness
For the aforementioned reasons, I just want to add that being near water helps people achieve a meditative state, reduces mental noise, and positively impacts mental health. There is supporting research called Blue Mind, which focuses exactly on these characteristics. Practicing mindfulness in our day-to-day busy lives can sometimes be hard. I know. But being near the seaside, the process feels effortless. Self-awareness and connection to your surroundings in nature are so easy to do, and believe me, as a fire sign (Leo), I can get extremely feisty when I get caught up in my busy daily life. However, the combination of endless blue, fresh air, and bright sun tames my fire and gives some space to the calming water, relaxation, and creativity. There is no better vitamin than Vitamin Sea.
Want to spend this summer at the beach?
If I haven’t convinced you about the amazing benefits of being by the sea, I don’t know what will. But I bet I have, and probably just like me, you want to pack up a suitcase with your swimsuit and go somewhere close to the sea, where you can relax, enjoy all the benefits of a lovely location and feel at peace. Lucky, you, because A Mindful Escape has the PERFECT SPOT. Nested in the lovely sea town Tsarevo, a brand new one-bedroom apartment has been furnished to a high standard. A 5-minute walk from the beach (Nestinarka) and overlooking the Strandja mountain from the balcony is waiting for you. Make the perfect sea retreat with AME and unwind.