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Science says that surf and sand does the mind (and body) good. Here’s how to reap the benefits of all that ‘vitamin sea’ on Long Beach Island…

Research finds that spending time by the ocean is pretty good for your wellbeing. “In fact, according to an analysis of English census data published in the journal Health Place, those who live by the coast report better physical and mental health than those who don’t.”

And, in a study published in the Journal of Coastal Zone Management, participants who live in homes with ocean views report feeling calmer than those without them. Take a look at these stunning Long Beach Island duplex properties for sale. Don’t you feel calmer already?

When it comes to why, exactly, the beach gets you feeling all Zen, there are a few factors at work. “The color blue has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace,” says Richard Shuster, PsyD, clinical psychologist. “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.” Lucky for us, Long Beach Island boosts 18 miles of beautiful blue waters! That is a lot of calming and peacefulness at your disposal!

Plus, that consistent ebbing and flowing of the Atlantic Ocean you hear as you lie on your towel under an umbrella on one of our many LBI beaches? “It kind of de-stimulates our brains,” says Shuster. The noises — coupled with the visuals — activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is “responsible for slowing us down and allowing us to relax and feel more engaged,” says Sally Nazari, PsyD.

Smelling the ocean breeze also contributes to your soothed state, which may have something to do with the negative ions in the air that you’re breathing in. These oxygen atoms have an extra electron and occur in places like waterfalls and the ocean, says Shuster. A study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine suggests that negative ion therapy could be used to treat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Winter, spring, summer or fall… walking up to the beach on Long Beach Island and breathing in the salt air for just a few minutes is always extremely uplifting. Now we know why!

Finally, the simple act of touching the sand makes you feel all fuzzy. The physical sensation of putting your feet in the sand causes people to relax, explains Shuster. Long Beach Island is commonly known as ‘a beach lover’s paradise’ for a reason. LBI has over 95,000 feet of long white sandy beaches. That is a lot of sand between your toes!

Even with all the science behind why (LBI) beaches are so therapeutic for you, there’s a bit of a placebo effect happening, too. “We’ve been conditioned to think of the beach as peaceful and relaxing,” says Shuster. “We expect when we go to the beach that we are going to relax.” You can thank your favorite movies and TV, as well as travel ads and commercials!

So, if we have convinced you enough that buying a Long Beach Island duplex is good for your health, give us a call at 609-618-8390 or email us at team@lbiduplex.com.