Scientists confirm that looking at the sea produces changes in the brain that make us happier

“I need a vacation, go to the beach and relax.” It’s not strange to hear this desire from someone tired of work or their domestic obligations. You may have even said it yourself and you would be right to do so, since studies of the effect of the sea on humans can seem surprising: the sea is not only able to calm us down, it also changes our body chemistry.

O awesome.club wants to share what the benefits of spending a day at the beach are, so you can put a beach destination as your first choice on your list of places to visit on vacation.

Humans have been able to perceive the healthy effects of the sea for decades. As early as the 18th century, physicians such as William Buchan used to prescribe their patients a trip to the sea to follow bathing therapy. Even hospitals completely destined to carry out these practices were set up, and today we can say that they were on the right track, as it was discovered that the effect of the sea on human beings is transformative.

One of the effects was discovered by a team of scientists who set out to study the relationship between beach contact and health in a project called BlueHealth (“Blue Health”). Scientists have discovered that the sounds of the sea stimulate an area of ​​the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for our emotions and personal reflections, and they have noticed that the sea expands in our brains the capacity for self-awareness and emotional well-being.

Ocean waves also play a role in our well-being, as surreal as it may seem. According to research, when we are at the beach, our body absorbs the negative ions that are released by the ocean waves and drives the changes in our molecules. This encourages our bodies to take in more oxygen and regulate our levels of serotonin, a substance that controls anxiety. The result? A feeling of peace similar to what you would feel after doing yoga.

Experts claim that the noise emitted by the sea reduces our levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and conveys calm. They even suggested that it reminds us of the sound of our mothers heartbeat when we were in the womb, which would have an emotional impact related to safety and security.

“When we look out to sea, or along the coast, we perceive a predictable and stable environment,” said neuroscientist Michael Merzenich. He explained that we feel safe when we are in places free from threats such as wild animals in the jungle or criminals in a big city, and the surface of the sea that disappears in the horizon in a flat and constant way transmits to our brain the sensation of stability and safety.

A study found that when we are lying on the beach in the sun, its heat influences our endocrine system, which is responsible for releasing endorphins (the same substance that makes you feel happy every time you eat chocolate). Although you should always be careful: don’t forget to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Is that you? Do you think the most relaxing vacations are those spent on a beach? What are your tricks to get rid of stress? Tell us in the comments section.