Did you know that spending time in nature actually alters your body chemistry? Being outside – in the sun, or under a tree, or by the ocean changes who you are physically.
No, you won’t sprout another arm or anything – nature changes you for the better.
I know my lovely readers like examples, so here’s a nice one:
The ocean (take your pick on which one). When you stand and listen to the ocean, you’re hearing the waves lap in at approximately 12-16 waves a minute. This corresponds exactly to our optimal heart rates. Listening to the ocean not only lowers your blood pressure naturally and effectively, it increases those ‘feel good’ chemicals in your brain. Ocean waves also force you to slow down your breathing, getting rid of those shallow, awful breaths we so often take.
All of these changes lead to a healthier you – without even having to cash in on your drug plan. Booya.
There’s a reason people turn to nature when their lives are stressful. We’re meant to be out there.
As science catches up with the simple truths of life, I think we’ll find that many of the aspects of nature are specifically tailored to our bodies in some harmonious and amazing ways.
If the closest thing you have to the Ocean is your copy of The Little Mermaid, fear not. Another great thing our about our brains is that they’re easily fooled.
Through the magic of the internet, you can reach the ocean with a click of the mouse.
Keep it wild! And remember…

February 25th, 2010 at 9:06 am
[...] feel lucky to have the ocean so close, but for those further away, here are some great idea for how to heal and relax to the ocean. On a health note: nature needs to be a part of any good health [...]
February 25th, 2010 at 10:29 am
I think our favorite family camping experiences are at the beach, at night. The sound is very relaxing and, combined with the smell of the sea, it’s just an awesome experience.
February 25th, 2010 at 10:45 am
We play ocean sounds on repeat on the ipod at night. Mostly we are trying to create white noise for the boys, but it is good to know there are other benefits.
February 25th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
We love the beach, but I never knew it was actually helping us de-stress. Bonus!
February 26th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
The ocean is perhaps the most relaxing sound. Reading this article has me aching to go to the beach this summer, especially at night