Revitalizing at the Coast: The Healing Power of Family and Sea Air

Last week, my family and I took a much-needed trip to the ocean. Our primary goal was to spend quality time together and escape the scorching heat of the Sacramento Valley. We went from enduring 103-degree temperatures to enjoying a cool 65 degrees in just a few hours. After arriving in the seaside town of Little River in Mendocino, I immediately felt better. It is hard to explain, but my mental health, breathing, and overall physical state felt significantly improved.

Interestingly, 18th-century physicians often prescribed seaside visits for patients with respiratory issues. It turns out they were onto something! Sea air, rich in iodine, salt, and magnesium, promotes respiratory health, alleviates asthma symptoms, improves allergies and skin problems, and boosts the immune system. It also soothes the mucosal lining of the respiratory system, benefiting those with conditions like sinusitis.

Although I did not swim in the ocean, there is more to the benefits than just the air. A 1999 study from the University of Freiburg in Germany found that “a combination of seawater and UVB radiation can improve troubling skin problems such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Have sensitive or eczema-prone skin? Soaking in ocean water is a great soother.”

When it comes to mental health, I always have an opinion. A 2019 study in the Health and Place Journal suggested that people living closer to the ocean experienced lower mental distress, with the benefits diminishing as they moved inland. Researchers surveyed almost 26,000 people to analyze the mental health effects of coastal living. They found that those living less than one mile from the sea were 22% less likely to have mental health symptoms compared to those living over 35 miles away. This could be due to various reasons, but there is no doubt that even just gazing at the ocean has a therapeutic effect.

Research clearly shows that ocean air benefits both physical and mental well-being. However, I believe the main reason for my improved mood and physical health was the people I was with. This trip, planned by my parents, highlighted the profound impact of being with loved ones who care for you unconditionally. I was incredibly happy after the trip and returning to reality was challenging after feeling so relaxed for just a few days. The trip significantly improved my overall health.

I urge everyone to embrace what we have and spend more time with family. Even if you cannot afford to stay in a seaside town, just take a drive and get some fresh air. It makes all the difference in the world.

Cited Work

Health & Place. Health & Place | Journal | ScienceDirect by Elsevier. (n.d.).

Post, A. S. T. W. (2016, July 3). The weird origins of going to the beach. The Providence Journal.

Schempp CM;Müller K;Schulte-Mönting J;Schöpf E;Simon JC; (n.d.). Saltwater bathing prior to UVB irradiation leads to a decrease of the minimal erythema dose and an increased erythema index without affecting skin pigmentation. Photochemistry and photobiology.