As if we needed another reason to jump on a catamaran and sail the beautiful oceans, it has health benefits too. It’s been said for centuries that the ocean has healing powers. Let alone the fact that it simply makes you happy to be near the ocean, let’s review some of the other reasons why you should take it all in.

Health Benefits

Research has found that breathing in the salty ocean air is good for your lungs. In a recent study, patients with cystic fibrosis experienced fewer pulmonary flare-ups when they inhaled prescribed hypertonic saline — a strong solution of saltwater that mimics what we inhale at the beach. Both sun and sea have proven to be beneficial for treating the skin condition, psoriasis. A daily 5 min dose of the sun followed by a dip in the ocean can significantly reduce the flare-ups. Saltwater has a cleansing power to the skin and often helps reduce other common skin conditions such as acne or inflammations. Because of the high magnesium levels, it can also help dry skin! While you’re on the beach, take advantage of the natural exfoliate and give your skin a good scrub with sand. Help rejuvenate new skin and keep it soft.

Studies have shown that the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in seawater produce antibiotic and antibacterial effects that promote immunity.

Reduce Stress Levels

Being on the beach or sailing on the sea forces you to unplug and step away from the “electronic” world. Allow your eyes to rest and brain to reboot while you take in the views and allow your senses to absorb the sights, sounds and motions of the ocean. “The color blue has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace,” says Shuster. “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.” A study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s journal even found that blue is associated with a boost of creativity. Plus, that consistent ebbing and flowing you hear as you lie on your towel under an umbrella? “It kind of de-stimulates our brains,” says Shuster. The noises — coupled with the visuals — activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is “responsible for slowing us down and allowing us to relax and feel more engaged,” says Sally Nazari, PsyD, owner of Chrysalis Psychological Services and host of the podcast Beyond the Couch. 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.

Any of these sound like things you could certainly benefit from? Take a much needed vacation that can help improve your health at the same time! Take a deep breath, feel the ocean breeze and warmth of the sun, hear the ocean waves and allow your mind and body to heal by the sea!