CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
With more than 7,600 islands, the beaches are an integral part of the coastal landscape of the Philippines. It’s no wonder Filipinos have a strong affinity for the sea and its shores. During summer, locals and tourists flock to the beaches to relax and unwind. Beyond warm waters and sand, the beach is good for mental health, providing a space for tranquility and rejuvenation.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s a perfect time to focus on your mental well-being. What could be more naturally therapeutic than going on a beach getaway? Find out why a trip to the shore might be the ideal prescription for your mental health.
A 2024 study revealed that 87% of the Filipino workforce experiences stress linked to their jobs, surpassing the global average for work-related stress by 11 percent. This significant rate of stress reportedly leads to mental health issues.
The change of scenery from a fast-paced and noisy urban environment to a relaxed and tropical beach setting can help relieve stress. According to WebMD, visiting the beach offers a welcome respite when you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
The sound of the crashing waves, the scent of the sea in the air, the sight of the clear blue waters, and the refreshing sea breeze on your skin, contribute to a sensory escape from day-to-day stressors. All these elements engage your senses and promote relaxation.
A study reported by The Guardian showed evidence that natural environments, such as the sea, are good for physical and mental well-being. Natural environments involving water are often referred to as “blue spaces”, which have been linked to reduced cortisol levels, improved mood, and increased mindfulness. The beach is one of those “blue spaces” that people love to visit to connect with nature and foster positive emotions.
Want a natural way to elevate your mood and health? Cleveland Clinic says that getting 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight daily can boost Vitamin D3 and serotonin. Vitamin D3 helps regulate calcium and phosphorus, crucial for proper bone formation, bone repair, and prevention of bone disorders. WebMD notes that vitamin D deficiency can affect mood, which can lead to overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Insufficient vitamin D has also been linked to loss of pleasure in previous interests, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.
The sun’s rays are a key factor in maintaining mental health as it promotes serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that carries chemical messages, telling your body how to work. Getting enough serotonin can help regulate your appetite, digestion, and sleep. It can also aid in healing wounds, blood clotting, and balancing mood. On the other hand, a lack of sunshine can trigger loneliness and depression.
Embracing the sun’s warmth at the beach can give you a natural serotonin uplift and improve overall well-being. Consider going on a stroll or lounging at the beach (between 7 AM to 10 AM or after 4 PM) when the UVB rays are less intense. Swimming during these gentler hours also presents an opportunity to soak in sunlight.
The beach is a great venue for fun physical activities such as strolling, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and more. Exercise can boost your mood as it triggers the release of endorphins, natural chemical messengers noted for their ability to reduce stress and block or lessen the intensity of pain signals. Endorphins are also associated with happiness, pleasure, and improved mood.
People love to go to the beach to bond with family, friends, and work buddies. It’s also an ideal place to meet new people and build new friendships, encouraging social connection and reducing feelings of sadness.
More than a favorite summer go-to place, the beach is the perfect haven to seek solace, rejuvenate the senses, and escape day-to-day stressors. Being a “blue space”, the beach connects you with nature, where you can soak in the glorious sun, boosting serotonin and elevating your mood. Fun beach activities, from strolling on the beach to snorkeling, trigger a surge of endorphins that promote happiness and pleasure. Last but not least, the beach is a social sanctuary where you can bond with family, friends, colleagues, and even meet new people.
Make your summer beach outing safe, fun, and worry-free by securing your health with an emergency prepaid health card Philippines.
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