60 TopSanté Facebook.com/ TopSanteMagazine @ TopS a n t eUKA
s the saying goes ‘life’s
a beach’ and there are so many
reasons to make that your
mantra this summer by
spending quality time by the
coast. Few destinations can
match the raw, natural beauty of the humble
seaside: the fresh sea air, the sand between
your toes and the sound of the waves lapping
against the shore – just some of the elements
that make the beach a prime health spot.
‘There’s something quite magical about being
by the sea,’ says Michelle Moroney, who runs
the Cliffs of Moher Retreat yoga holidays on the
West Coast of Ireland (read a review of this
stunning location at topsante.co.uk).
‘It’s as if it has far-reaching powers that clear
away stale thoughts and refresh your mind and
body like nothing else can.’
Whether you enjoy majestic walks along the
sand or diving straight into the waves, there’s
no doubt time at the beach can change the way
you feel, and it’s thought to be thanks to the
quality of the ocean air. ‘Sea air is much
cleaner,’ says Michelle. ‘It contains higher levels
of negatively charged ions – atoms that have an
extra electron, giving them a negative charge.
These not only clear the air of allergens, spores
and bacteria, they also increase oxygen
absorption into your lungs, leaving you feeling
recharged and refreshed. This cleaner air also
allows for better breathing thanks to reducing
sinus pain or a tight chest.’
Listening to the waves lapping against the
shore is also incredibly relaxing. ‘Partly this is
due to the huge connection between therhythm of the waves and the rhythm of your
breath,’ says Michelle. ‘They mirror each other.
As you inhale, think of a wave forming, full of
power and energy, steadily building and
growing until that moment where it breaks...
just like when you exhale. This rhythmic
motion helps to calm your brainwaves,
switching them from faster beta waves, which
you need in order to perform daily tasks, to
slower, more relaxing alpha waves, putting you
into a slight meditative state.’Improved sleep
A knock on effect of this relaxed, meditative
state is a better night’s sleep. ‘The combination
of the fresh air, physical activity and time to
properly unwind all contribute to better kip,’
says Michelle. But the main hero when it comes
to hitting the hay is magnesium. ‘Your body
needs this essential mineral in abundance to
enjoy restful sleep, and the sea is packed with it.
Spending time swimming or even just paddling
in the ocean will give your body a chance to
absorb some of this mighty mineral.’
Simply strolling along the sand or taking a
dip might not seem like much in the way of
exercise, but these activities certainly contribute
to your daily quota of movement. Time at the
beach can be an easy way to fit in your workout
without even breaking a sweat. ‘There are so
many fun activities and water sports to take
advantage of if you really want to ramp up the
calorie burn,’ says Michelle, who has suggested
the following acvitities this summer to recharge
your body and mind. Whether in the Tropics or
closer to home, the coast is calling...Be Ach
Benefits
spending time by the sea is a sure-fire way to
reinvigorate mind and body, as we discover with
these health-giving activities.
words:larIssa Chapman. photographs: gettyImages