The Ocean’s Calming Effects
Those of us who live by the ocean are very lucky, for more reasons than simply the physical beauty of it. As a Manhattan Beach and South Bay therapist, as well as an ocean enthusiast, I have put time into thinking and reading about the ocean and the positive effects it has on our mental health. My mission is to help my clients achieve a happy and healthy mind. A great way to start your journey may begin as simply as walking down to the beach to take advantage of the ocean’s natural calming and healing effects.
Many studies have shown how helpful living by an ocean can be for a person’s mental well-being. The following are ways in which an ocean can do wonders for your mental health and overall wellness:
- Water Rejuvenates Your Brain: Our brains are constantly overwhelmed with sensory stimuli. As a result, we need breaks, but we rarely allow this for ourselves. If you want to give your brain a break from overstimulation, spend some time near the water and pay attention to how it makes you feel.
- Water Can Inspire a Meditative State of Mind: While you may not realize it, being near the water can induce a state of calm, focus, and awareness that can be linked to a naturally more meditative state of mind. Water is both engaging and interesting to the brain; it offers sensory information that is not overwhelming or stressful, but in fact the opposite. Next time you are by the water, think about trying a breathing or mindfulness exercise and notice the impact it has both mentally and physically on your body.
- Water Can Give Us A Better Sense of Connectedness: The positive feelings that come with being around water can invoke a sense of connectedness to your surroundings as well as those around you. Important celebrations are often held near the water; many people see it as a positive and inviting place to gather with loved ones.
- Water Can Inspire Creativity: Do you ever notice yourself thinking up creative, new ideas when you are in the shower? Because the brain gets a break from visual and other sensory elements, the break that your brain receives is helpful, rejuvenating, and can work to reset your mood or thoughts. If you go to the beach and simply pay attention to the soft white noise provided by the crashing of the waves, you may notice a restorative burst of creativity and thoughtfulness.
Experience Greater Mental Clarity Through Therapy
As my practice is located in the South Bay region, I want to encourage my clients to make time to visit the water. If you the ocean is within reach, try taking a quiet stroll and intentionally think about how it affects your mood, creativity, and the overall functioning of your brain. In my client-centered approach to therapy, it is my goal to work on an individualized basis to figure out what practices work best for YOU. If you would like more tips that you can try at home, or if you are interested in inquiring about any of my other services, please feel free to give my office a call at (310) 892-2572, or reach out online. I look forward to getting to meet you!