Sol y Mar: the benefits of sun & sea for our body and mind
Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sol…
Research shows that we are more likely to experience depression in the winter, when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. That’s because natural sunlight increases the release of serotonin — a hormone associated with boosting mood and helping us feel calm. Unsurprisingly, serotonin is known as “the happy hormone”, as it stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being and happiness.
Decreased sun exposure, on the other hand, has been associated with a drop in serotonin that can make us feel sad, upset, and generally low in mood.
But the mood boost isn’t the only reason to get outside and soak in the sun. Scientifically, a healthy dose of the sun’s rays has a lot of other benefits, too:
- It improves our sleep. Research indicates that sunshine regulates our circadian rhythm by telling our body when to increase and decrease the levels of melatonin — a hormone that is critical to help us sleep.
- It reduces stress. Being outside helps our body naturally regulate the aforementioned hormone melatonin, which can help reduce our stress level. Additionally, outdoor activities like walking, swimming, playing, etc. also help to lower stress.
- It maintains strong bones, as our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D also promotes reduced inflammation and modulates cell growth.
Be cautious, however; getting too much sun can be risky. Remember to use sunscreen!
…y Mar
We often hear that salt water and swimming in the sea are good for our health — but in what way? Let’s be more specific! Here are a few reasons:
- Swimming works the heart and lungs, and trains our body to use oxygen more efficiently.
- Swimming improves our posture. It also helps us restore muscle strength, joint motion and flexibility, after injuries or fractures.
- Swimming can make the life of pregnant women easier, as the water provides a feeling of weightlessness. Moreover, it strengthens their body and lungs, while reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Sea water has antiseptic and cicatrizing actions on our skin, thanks to mineral salts such as sodium and iodine.
- Salt water improves respiratory function, is particularly effective in asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis and benefits people with chronic sinusitis, as it helps keep the nasal passages open.
This summer, we are waiting for you at Solymar Mykonos! Visit us at Kalo Livadi beach to soak up the sun, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and enjoy all the benefits that sol y mar can give you.
