Beach Life, Healthy Life
Bayside is a locale that is synonymous with the word ‘beach’, but residents of Elwood, Black Rock, Brighton and beyond don’t just experience the benefits of the ‘beach life’ in summer. Living by the ocean has a range of other benefits besides being the world’s biggest swimming pool – it can actually do a lot for your health! C&G explains how.
The salty air
According to LiveScience, the idea of ‘bathing hospitals’ goes back to the 18th century, where doctors would prescribe salt-water baths along with fresh sea air for a range of ailments. People with respiratory issues like asthma or a cough will often experience an immediate improvement when visiting the beach.
In fact, the air surrounding the ocean is charged with negative ions that increase our ability to absorb oxygen. It’s great for brain function, and the ions also balance the body’s level of serotonin, the chemical that affects your mood. That’s why we often find ourselves able to think more clearly and relax at will following a coastal holiday.
The water
There’s a reason people listen to ocean sounds to meditate or sleep – the sound of waves affects the patterns in the brain, actually putting you into a more relaxed state of mind!
The sun
At the beach, the sun reflects off the sand and the water, so the chances of absorbing some serious vitamin D are pretty high! Getting your daily dose will increase endorphins and improve bone health, among other benefits. Sunscreen won’t prevent you absorbing it either, so make sure that you slip, slop, slap before you go outside, to protect your skin from potentially dangerous UV levels. You’ll still get your vitamins.
The exercise
When you’ve got walks and trails like the ones we find Bayside, exercise will become less of a chore and more of a leisure activity. You’ll often see more people walking, running or cycling along the coast than in the city, and it’s not just because all the fitness fanatics congregate in Bayside. It’s a local lifestyle – people love to appreciate the beautiful surrounds!
The seafood
When you live close to the ocean, you’ll likely develop a love for freshly shucked oysters, delicious grilled fish and calamari salad. Filled with healthy nutrients like Omega 3s, you’ll soon find your diet to be causing an improvement in the quality of your skin and hair, as well as making you leaner! Couple that with regular exercise, and there’s no reason not to enjoy a glass of wine with your meals every now and again as well. After all, Bayside is all about lifestyle.