Boost mental wellbeing and enjoy the beach

Holidays don’t always need to be the next big adventure – they can also help you slow down, unwind and relax.  With Mental Health Awareness Week on 9th – 15th May, here are seven reasons why a beach holiday is the best way to take some ‘you time’ and reset.

Fed up of seeing the same old view every morning when you open the bedroom curtains? Swap everyday life for stunning views of endless blue seas, rugged cliffs, and soft white sands. Put the car keys down. It’s time to take a walk from your hotel to the beach, with a picnic box replacing your laptop bag. Taking a step out of normal life can do wonders for your mindset, allowing you to reset and recharge. It’s also easier to get back into the everyday routine when you’ve got fond memories of cocktails at sunset driving you on.  

Sunshine and sea-time. Both have been found to have some incredible properties that helping us stay physically and mentally fit and healthy. Simply enjoying the sun has great benefits, from improving your immune system, lowering blood pressure, and boosting your mood – all down to that useful Vitamin D. And whether you’re happy surfing or splashing, enjoying the sea has been found to improve mental wellbeing, with the physical and sensory experience helping us detach from our troubles and increase positivity.  

Breathe in deep the fresh sea air. Take in the stunning coastal views. Gaze out on a sea that seems to go on forever. Watch the sun set or the sun rise.  Taste the salty breeze on your skin. There’s nowhere better to be to escape the constant noise from phones, laptops, tablets and TV’s.  Leave the screens at home, head out to the beach, and connect more with your surroundings and clear your mind.

If beach relaxation isn’t your thing, then lean into the huge array on endorphin-making sports available instead. The beach offers a huge number of opportunities for sports lovers and adrenaline junkies – think high-octane pursuits like parasailing and kite surfing, surfing or paddle boarding. For something more leisurely, a quick swim, coastal walk or gentle sand dune jog can also do wonders in keeping the mind and body active. Just grab your trainers and see where your feet take you.

Whatever you’re doing, be it exercise, reading a novel or two or simply relaxing, there’s something about the beach that makes you fall asleep. Give into the snoozing and enjoy some shut eye - you’re sure to get some deep sleep and catch up on those z’s. With comfy sun loungers, a warm gentle breeze, and the sound of waves lapping on the shore, you’ll be lulled to sleep in no time.  Just make sure you settle down in the shade to avoid any unwanted burning.  

The world really is your oyster when it comes to beach holidays, so do whatever makes you happy.  With no work, no errands, no cleaning and no stress, take a deep breath and know that all there is, is you, the beach, and a full day ahead of doing whatever you choose. So choose your novel, listen to that podcast, make that massive sandcastle with – or without - your kids, amble along the shore line, sip a cocktail at dusk. The beach really is yours for the taking.

On your next beach holiday make sure you plan to do as little or much as you want to, without the pressures of daily life – whilst you’re also topping up on things that have been found to boost moods, like vitamin D and some extra sleep. Sun, sea, and sand provide the perfect backdrop for taking some time to stop and take stock of your mental health, so start planning your next getaway today and stop the stress.