Being near the ocean can provide a major boost to your physical and mental well-being. Here's how a walk on the beach or a dip in the sea can help you feel more grounded in nature.
One of the most magical parts about living in or visiting the Hamptons is how close you are to the water. I love the saying “If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, you’re lucky enough,” because isn’t that the truth! No soundscape or YouTube meditation does what the natural sounds of the ocean will. Being able to feel the sand between your toes and get some fresh air can truly do wonders. The beach is more than just what meets the eye; it is incredibly beneficial for you on so many levels both mentally and physically. So while you’re here, why not take advantage? The ocean is Mother Nature’s spa and the best summer location for a natural (and cheap!) wellness retreat for your whole being.
With our high-tech, hectic lifestyle and the pressure from our society to “never stop working,” we’ve increasingly become more disconnected from nature—and from ourselves. Going to the beach is an easy way to reconnect. Feeling the breeze in your hair and the smell of the salt water is a great way to physically ground yourself in the present moment. The beach can be a highly sensory experience, so it’s a great place to practice grounding yourself, which improves our mental health and overall physical well-being. Here are two easy grounding practices you can do right now.
Take a cellphone-free barefoot walk on the beach. The soles of our feet have more nerve endings and sweat glands than any other place on the body. Walking barefoot can stimulate these nerve endings while grounding you and helping you reconnect with your breath and a natural flow of energy in your body. This will help you clear your mind and decompress so you can better show up not only for yourself but the people you care about and the projects you’re working on with more energy, creativity and positivity.
Jump in the ocean! It’s a great way to release tension and stress and gain a sensation of freedom. During the summer months, swimming along the shore (when water and weather permit) can be an excellent way to exercise. Swimming is incredible for building endurance and strength while also being gentle on our body and joints. On the other hand, a quick dip during the colder days can improve your blood circulation, activate endorphins and even boost your confidence and self-esteem by increasing your libido. Who knew?
NATURE’S SKINCARE
Another thing I absolutely love about the beach is how you are surrounded by nature’s incredible skincare. The saltwater’s minerals are great for our skin and have a therapeutic effect on our body to detox and heal itself. It also works great as a natural hair highlighter for the tips of our ends when mixed with the sun. The sand is by far the best (and cheapest) exfoliator you will find. Simply find a spot near the water’s edge where the sand appears to be the softest. Make sure there are no rough pieces or shells and gently rub some all over your body to get rid of dead skin cells, then take a dip to rinse off! You can also do this on your face as long as you’re extra careful. This will leave your skin silky soft and smooth. Be sure to moisturize after—here are a few of my favorites:
Augustinus Bader The Body Oil
A fast-absorbing and nongreasy nourishing body oil for deep hydration after a day on the beach. augustinusbader.com
Mutha Body Butter
The yummiest body butter. It will leave your skin feeling smooth and moisturized. mutha.com
Weleda Skin Food Body Butter
A classic in my bathroom cabinet. Leaves a nice sheen as well as great to add to collarbones before going out. dermstore.com
Madison one-piece, bond-eye.com
SWIMSUITS FOR ALL
I love the material of bondeye suits and find them very flattering. They are so comfortable and have great support so you won’t have to be afraid to move around in them—perfect for beach activities, games and swimming. They come in one size, but the fabric shapes to your body.
Bond-eye Scout crop and Palmer brief
WORKOUT HACK: BEACH EDITION
The beach is a fantastic place to get a workout in. Grab a friend, check out my latest workout on my app, grab a couple of towels and water, and take your workouts to the beach. Or just play your favorite beach game! Pro Kadima is really fun. See if you can beat my boyfriend’s and my record of 187 back-and-forths. This works as great cardio and couples therapy at the same time! Pro Kadima beach paddles, amazon.com
Photography by: NINA PHOTO BY TAYLOR BALLANTYNE; BEACH PADDLES PHOTO BY BLADE_KOSTAS/ISTOCK.COM; PRODUCT PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS
