World Ocean Day: Why the ocean makes us happier and healthier
Research proves what we’ve subconsciously known all along: that a day at the beach makes life’s worries melt away
Here in Zululand we are blessed to live close to the ocean.
Without us realising it, living this close to the ocean is making us healthier and happier human beings.
Research proves what we’ve subconsciously known all along: that a day at the beach makes life’s worries melt away.
Here are some interesting science-based findings you probably didn’t know:
• Blue is the most favourite colour on Earth. People associate aquatic colours with qualities like calm, openness, depth and wisdom. That’s one of the reasons why we find the ocean so beautiful.
• The human brain reacts positively when we get in or near water. We instinctively experience a state of calm, peacefulness, unity and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.
• The sound of the ocean’s waves can alter the brain’s wave patterns, soothing us into a deeply calm and relaxed state (https://aqua4balance.com).
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• Immersing our bodies in water, especially ocean water, helps us to relax. Dubbed ‘thalassotherapy’ by beauty therapists, being in balmy seawater stimulates circulation, improves the oxygen supply to cells, stimulates the lymphatic system, improves the muscular system and firms the connective tissues, purifies, regulates the body’s acid-base balance and even helps to overcome stomach and intestinal issues.
• ‘Ocean therapy’ (known to normal people as good old surfing) is proving to be very successful in helping victims of post-traumatic stress to overcome their problems.
• Sea water is known to heal wounds, reduce infection and relieve pain.
• Seawater and the blood plasma of human beings are 98% identical. Our blood has an extra molecule of iron, whereas seawater has an extra molecule of magnesium, and apart from this, all the molecules are identical. When immersed in warm seawater the body absorbs the minerals it needs through the skin. (Source: https://fractalenlightenment.com/31235/life/the-healing-power-of-the-ocean).
• Scientific studies have proven that sea water strengthens the body against viruses, bacteria and pathogens, as it contains many minerals with known antioxidant and immune-boosting effects, such as selenium, silicon and zinc.
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