G.A. Viray
Have you already gone to the beach this year? With the summer season that is almost halfway through, people all over the country have already spent some time at the beach by now. Going to the beach is a great way to relax, have fun and spend time your friends, family and loved ones. And since the Philippines is a country blessed with over 1,700 islands, you have no excuse not to go to the beach before the summer season ends!
Aside from the fun going to the beach can give you, there are many reasons why we should go to the beach! Spending time in the beach can give us more benefits than we can ever imagine, specially for our health.
Finding a reason why you need to head off to the nearest beach? Here are ten reasons why you should, and you should head off there now because it will be for the best of your health:
1. It’s good for your bone health!
Sunshine helps metabolize Vitamin D in our body, just make sure you have enough SPF on.
2. It’s great for your skin.
The sand can naturally exfoliate our skin, walking barefoot or lying on the sand scrubs off dead skin cells. In addition, salt water has anti-aging minerals for your skin. Voila! Smoother skin for much less.
3. It’ s great for your hair.
Sea salt prevents hair loss and contrary to what we believe, it actually has water retaining properties instead of dehydrating our skin and hair. So, hit the beach to have great tresses~
4. It can literally and scientifically take the blues away!
A study revealed that serotonin, the mood upper hormone is lowest during cold season. Exposure to the sun increases its levels.
5. Walking on the beach is a better form of exercise.
Compared with ordinary walking, the sand in the beach requires more energy for up to more than twice than the effort we give in our common walks. So if you want to burn more calories, but do not want to put that much effort, a stroll in the beach is perfect!
6. It makes your body fit.
Just like walking, doing sports activities in the beach, like volleyball, running or Frisbee can help you burn more calories. So say goodbye to the gym and spend more time on the beach!
7. It relieves you from stress.
Spending time on the beach helps you unplug from your daily routine work and stress. When we are always “plugged” or on the go, we can easily get stressed, depressed or lose sleep. But of course, leave your smartphone and gadgets too! Just one selfie on the beach would do!
8. It helps you breathe better.
Spending time on the beach has long been recommended by experts to be therapeutic. Even for patients with cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, spending time on the beach helps relieve them of the symptoms and have actually moved near the coastal area which has greatly improved their health.
9. It clears our mind and senses.
People usually head off the beach when they are confused and need to decide on something. It actually helps. Sea air has negative ions which actually helps increase well-being, physical and mental capacity.
10. It can strengthen your immune system.
Whether the sea water is cold or warm, both have been proven to improve the immune system. Immersing in cold water increases white blood cells (which fights infections) and immersing on warm water on the other hand, relaxes our muscles.
Haven’t planned going to the beach yet? You still have a lot of time, and remember, going to the beach isn’t just for fun, it’s for your health too!
