Being an archipelago, the Philippines has long stretches of beautiful beaches–many of them having white sand. And many of us Filipinos love to hit the beach during weekends and holidays. The sun, water, and sea breeze are part of the therapy that we call Vitamin Sea. And rightfully so. Read more about the reasons why the beach is good for both our physical and mental health.

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Why We Need Vitamin Sea in Our Lives

Covid-19 has drastically rerouted the paths we have tried to carve out for our lives — including our travel plans. Last year’s summer vacation had been canceled, which included our Holy Week family reunion in Boracay. It would have been a five-day holiday on the fine white sands of this beautiful island.

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After being cooped up for almost a year now while on quarantine, it is no wonder that many people want to hit the beach very soon. The weather is starting to warm up so we are itching to book for even just a day trip.

So why does the beach give us Vitamin Sea?

Reasons Why the Beach is Our Vitamin Sea for the Body and Mind

Yes, there are many reasons why the beach is good for our bodies as well as our minds. It is like nature’s way of nourishing us with all the elements around us. Mother Nature truly has a lot of tricks up her long-flowing sleeve.

The beach scene has the power to immediately relieve stress.

It seems that the combined effects of the waves and sun can immediately calm a person and relieve stress. Just looking out at the sea and inhaling the salty air would make us want to forget all our concerns.

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We can sleep better.

Whoever and whatever age, it seems that a beach trip helps us make sleep better at night.

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Some of the factors that can keep us awake are stress, lack of physical tiredness, as well as hormonal imbalance. Since the beach can help relieve stress and make us feel relaxed, we can easily fall asleep at night. Plus, the swimming and walking around the beach will certainly tire us out, especially if we have kids.

Meanwhile, the activities and constant sun exposure will eventually improve our hormones.

You get the daily amount of Vitamin D.

Spending as little as 10 minutes in the sun can help you absorb an entire day’s worth of vitamin D.

During our last New Year beach holiday, the shore was quite a long walk from our beach house. But since we do not leave the kids unattended, they had to have at least one adult present to watch over them. There were times that I was watching them so I was able to take in some sun.

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Three days later, we went home and I feel more energized than ever. Plus, my back felt so much better like there hasn’t been pain there at all. Amazing how the sun can make us actually healthier. I just had to endure the sun rashes afterward though.

You have a lot of opportunities to flex your muscles.

The beach offers us a lot of opportunities to exercise. We could go swimming, take a hike, take an evening stroll, or jog on the sand.

And when you have kids, the mere fact of having to chase them, carry their stuff, and give them baths after would already give you a lot of workouts. Plus, you will have to prepare their snacks and meals.

The kids also get to workout on the beach. In the new normal, our kids stay at home and have school at home, too. That’s not healthy because they need to use their muscles and bones for healthy growth.

Swimming and running around the beach will get them to be active. Just make sure that you have safety gear on them. Read: The Importance of Inflatable Arm Floaters for Swimming | Kids’ Safety

Sea breeze is good for the lungs.

When I was young, I was brought to the beach whenever I have cough. We also did that with Achi Shawna when she was younger because she often had allergic cough incidents.

Inhaling the salty breeze from the sea seems to have a therapeutic effect on the lungs. Phlegm is loosened. Plus, the sun exposure strengthens the body and makes the healing faster.

Today, we simulate the sea breeze at home with the Himalayan Salt Lamps that we have in the bedrooms and living room.

The beach is good for the skin.

If you don’t have sun urticaria, the beach is really good for the skin.

For one, you get some color, especially if you just stay in the office or work from home most days. The sun will do your complexion some good.

Moreover, the sand can exfoliate the skin while the saltwater will detoxify the pores. If you have blemishes caused by bacteria, the iodine in the water will destroy them.

Wear Sunblock and Bring a Beach Towel

If you are going to swim or sunbathe, make sure that you apply sun protection, especially on sensitive areas like your face.

Moreover, do bring a nice and wide beach towel that you can sit on. If you are not into swimming, sitting by the sea can be very relaxing. Do bring a sand-free kind of beach towel because it’s more efficient and lighter, too.

Plus, you can use it to lounge while you are watching your kids play in the water.

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Enjoy the ocean!