They say the cure for anything is salt water,
Sweat,
Tears,
Or the ocean.
And honestly,
I feel like there is so much truth in that.
Today I was lucky enough to spend some time by the ocean.
I walked barefoot in the sand,
Swam in the sea,
Played in the waves,
And felt the sun on my skin.
And afterwards I had that feeling,
You know,
That slightly magical,
Sparkling,
Warm,
Cozy feeling that somehow only time at the ocean seems to give me.
Well,
That and a sauna,
Steam room,
And ice bath.
Everything felt a bit lighter,
I felt glowy and my mind felt quieter.
I started thinking and researching about why that is because there's actually a lot going on when you're by the ocean.
The sea is called a blue space and there's a growing body of research looking at the connection about being around water and how it can improve your mental health and well-being.
And then there's the sound of the ocean.
So the waves is incredibly repetitive and rhythmic coming in and going out.
Research has found that these water sounds can help people to recover from stress faster.
And the sound of the waves creates a more positive relaxed state.
And then there's the seawater itself.
So it's filled with dissolved minerals and salts,
Including magnesium,
Calcium,
And potassium.
Saltwater interacts with our skin in interesting ways,
Affecting things like moisture,
Osmotic balance.
And this is partly why saltwater therapies have become popular.
Due to helping to heal certain skin conditions.
And then getting in and swimming and floating and that feeling of being held by the water can be so incredibly freeing and relaxing.
And finally when you step barefoot onto the sand.
Not only are you grounding,
But there's also something very real happening to your attention.
Your feet are receiving all this sensory information,
The texture of the sand,
The temperature.
You have to actually feel where you are.
I think that's part of what I love about the ocean is it makes it very difficult to be on autopilot.
A wave hits your ankles,
The sand moves under your feet,
There's a salty scent in the air and suddenly you are present.
And you don't need to live by the ocean to have your own version of ocean therapy.
Maybe you have a nearby lake or river.
Or maybe you can even run a bath and add some deep sea salts and maybe a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
You could play the sound of waves in the background as you work or do chores.
Or meditate with the ocean in your mind and picture yourself there.
And if you're lucky enough to be near the ocean today,
Go and put your feet in,
Swim or float or play in the waves.
And stay long enough to notice that slightly magical sparkling feeling,
That ocean therapy afterglow.
