By the WATER HOW A DAY SPENT BY THE SHORE CAN WORK WONDERS ON OUR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND MENTAL HEALTH
by KARA THOMPSON
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is that you make the rules. It can be private, or it can be shared. Whatever works for you and makes you feel your best, do it,” Deardorff explains. Partaking in this open and honest practice by the sea only adds to the cleansing experience.
or many—especially locals—the beach is somewhat of a sanctuary. It’s a calming place to visit during times of stress, a memorable spot to host celebrations, and a sunny place to take a dip. Simply put, time spent along the shore can meet a variety of needs, whether you’re looking for an escape or a place to connect. The emotional and physical benefits of hitting the sand are vast—from vitamin D exposure to the soothing sounds of the waves. Bianca Deardorff, a personal trainer and health coach from Santa Monica, takes us on a deep dive to explain how the beach can improve our overall well-being.
If putting pen to paper isn’t therapeutic to you, try indulging in another form of mindfulness, like 10 minutes of reading, breathwork, listening to a podcast, or any activity that helps you find peace and grow as an individual.
GROUNDING
Photo by Jacqueline Pilar
MINDFULNESS Deardorff believes the ocean offers a wide range of healing benefits when it comes to mental health. “The combination of the fresh breeze against your skin, the sound of waves crashing along the shore, and the feeling of the soft sand beneath your feet is so cleansing for the mind,” she explains. She also points out that when we’re feeling stressed or anxious, our bodies can experience hot flashes and racing thoughts. “Taking walks by the beach allows us to see, feel, and hear all of these calming sensations, bringing our attention to the present moment.”
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There are a plethora of mindfulness practices you can try, but journaling is one of Deardorff ’s favorites. “It truly helps me put my worries into perspective and helps me set realistic goals,” she shares. Some of her go-to journal prompts include 1) Write down three things you’re grateful for: this can be as simple as your cup of coffee or as deep as feelings of fulfillment. 2) Write down three emotions you want to feel: for example, do you want to feel strong? Thoughtful? Confident? “There is something cathartic about putting thoughts down on paper. It is freeing. The best part about journaling
Similar to journaling, grounding is a great mindfulness practice to try at the beach. Grounding is done by having your skin in direct contact with the earth. Examples include walking barefoot in the sand, laying on the ground, or submerging yourself in a natural body of water. “This is a therapeutic technique that can help balance your energy, making it a simple yet beneficial tool for our mental health,” Deardorff explains. “Practitioners often feel a decrease in stress and inflammation, and an increase in energy during the day paired with better sleep at night.” Dedicated time for grounding is important for balancing our health because it allows us to think clearly and feel fueled. Deardorff likes to pair grounding with breathwork or meditation. “Sitting in the sand, closing your eyes, listening to calming music, and breathing is truly a transformative experience.”
