Eco-Friendly

HEALTH and wellness are quickly becoming the focus for individuals looking to enhance quality of life both physically and mentally. Let’s explore some of the latest information on how nature can help us all achieve a balanced state of body and mind...

It’s official, you can actually touch, taste and hear good health. That’s right, the feel of the sand between your toes, the sound of the waves washing ashore, the rustle of treetops, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and even the taste of salt air on your lips, they all add up to health and happiness according to research.

Studies reveal that environments can increase or reduce our stress, which in turn impacts our bodies. Being near, or even viewing scenes of beaches, forests and the ocean, reduce anger, fear, and stress and increase pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.

If you’re reading this article, it’s very likely that you are here or are planning a visit to Ocean City for some R&R (when stay at home orders are relaxed). Great choice! You now have the opportunity to take advantage of all the health benefits nature has to offer. Your time at the shore could be associated with a positive mood, and psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness, and vitality. Additionally, you may fine your attention span increase as well as a quieting of the overactive mind.

Along with physical and mental benefits associated with time in nature, a study by Kuo and Coley at the Human-Environment Research Lab, says time spent in nature connects us to each other and the world around us. Scientifically this is explained by studies that used fMRI to measure brain activity. When subjects viewed nature scenes, the parts of the brain associated with empathy and love lit up, but when they viewed urban scenes, the parts of the brain associated with fear and anxiety were activated. It appears as though nature inspires feelings that connect us to each other and our environment.

Let’s look at the many opportunities, right here at the Jersey Shore to embrace this movement toward better physical and emotional balance. The most obvious for us living and vacationing here is the beautifully restored Boardwalk where folks of all ages and fitness levels can walk, run, bike or just sit on a bench and embrace the open space, sunshine and the smell of salty sea air.

Ocean air has many health benefits. The negative ions in sea air accelerate your ability to absorb oxygen, and balance your serotonin levels, a body chemical linked with mood and stress. Which is why you feel more alert, relaxed and energized after a day by the seaside. Whether reading a book under an umbrella while massaging the sand through your toes or taking a long leisurely stroll collecting shells along the shore, your mind will relax while you work the muscles of your body on the shifting sands under your feet.

For those looking for some real calorie burning and muscles building on their visit to the shore there are many outdoor venues from which to choose. Bike riding along the beautiful bike path or the Boardwalk, yoga and fitness classes on the beach and bay, kayaking and paddle boarding, water aerobics and running the boards are just a few of the wonderful fitness possibilities.

At the end of a wonderful day in nature one of the greatest benefits a person will experience is a wonderful night’s sleep. For those who struggle to get a good night's sleep, the beach is a definite recommendation. It’s because the beach helps relieve three key factors that inhibit sleep: high stress and anxiety levels, lack of physical fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.

When we’re surrounded by nature and beauty we can feel at peace and release ourselves from the daily stresses and troubles in the modernized world. For hundreds of years the health benefits of nature have been known to calm and heal the body and soul. So, when you’ve had a particularly stressful day at work or school, or just feel the need for some spiritual realignment, take some time and hit the beach – it will cure what ails you! - Paula Popilock