Why the sea makes us feel good environment / Beyond the sea
Ever wonder why the sea makes us feel good? Gazing out at the horizon, floating in the water, or simply breathing in the salty air seems to reset our minds and bodies. Yet, we rarely pause to consider what’s happening beneath the surface of our sensations. How does the sea stir our thoughts, soothe our feelings, and shift our physical state?
The sea, in all its moods, can mirrors our emotions. Small, gentle waves have a soothing quality, bringing about a sense of calm and serenity. In contrast, rough waters stir feelings of restlessness and tension, much like our minds during moments of anxiety. It’s as if the ocean becomes an extension of our inner world, a mirror reflecting what’s happening beneath the surface of our thoughts and feelings. During challenging phases of life, when fears bubble up and uncertainty reigns, we find ourselves drawn to the sea — its vastness offering solace and a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves.
Nature, in all its forms, has long been known to influence our well-being. The sea, especially, holds a unique place in this healing tradition. For centuries, people have turned to the ocean not only for its beauty but for its therapeutic effects. Surfers, in particular, understand this intimately. After riding a wave, there’s a euphoria that washes over them, a feeling of oneness with the ocean’s energy. Even for those who simply stand at the shore, the sight and sound of the sea have a calming, almost meditative effect.
In a time when we are bombarded with constant stimulation, the simplicity of the sea offers a refuge. Its presence demands nothing but our attention, encouraging us to let go of distractions and return to a more natural state of being. It speaks to something ancient within us — a connection to the Earth’s rhythms, a reminder of our place within the vast expanse of nature. The ocean, in its quiet wisdom, brings us back to ourselves, offering both balance and a deep, enduring peace.
Feeling high from surfing
The euphoric feeling after catching a wave sends a buzz through your whole body. It starts in the stomach and spreads, leaving a glowing with pure exhilaration. Surfing sparks the release of adrenaline and dopamine, creating a natural high. Adrenaline sharpens the reactions and raises the heart rate as the body enters “fight or flight” mode, while dopamine, the “happy hormone,” floods the brain, boosting mood.
This biochemical cocktail makes surfing a sport that captivates people because we always strive to experience that fantastic feeling. Long car journeys, days of watching the wave forecast and investing our last penny on surfing equipment – we gladly accept all of this for the stoke. The best thing is that this state lasts even after we are no longer in the water. Although the adrenaline rush wears off shortly after the last wave, the surfing euphoria remains. Researchers assume that the positive effect of the sea air also intensifies this feeling.
The positive effects of sea air
Researchers have found that sea air holds a higher concentration of negatively charged ions compared to typical air, with these ions generated by the collision of atoms during breaking waves. This turbulence alters the air’s physical composition, filling it with beneficial ions. Surfers, exposed to this special air, may experience a boost in mood due to the release of endorphins and serotonin. Similar effects can be found in environments like mountains and waterfalls, where the air also carries a similar charge, enriching both body and mind.
Studies on negative ions suggest they contribute to increased feelings of well-being, reduced stress, and improved respiratory function. This phenomenon has been observed in various settings where active water, such as crashing waves, creates these beneficial particles (Cell Health News, 2023) . Even if you’re far from the coast, a high-pressure shower can simulate this effect, offering a taste of nature’s therapeutic properties right in your home (WebMD, 2002).
Ocean therapy for mind and body
Gazing at the endless blue mass of the ocean has a meditative quality, a sensory reprieve from the overstimulation of social media and screens. The mind unravels in this tranquil environment. Though scientific evidence for the specific benefits of “sea gazing” is sparse, its effects resonate deeply. Practices like thalassotherapy, which harness the healing power of seawater, algae, and ocean air have been around for a while, that suggest a tangible connection between the sea and enhanced well-being, both mental and physical.
This aligns with findings on the impact of negative ions present in sea air, which have been shown to elevate mood by triggering the release of serotonin and endorphins. Just as adrenaline and dopamine surge during a surfing session, these ions support an enduring sense of calm and joy, extending the sea’s soothing reach beyond physical exhilaration and into the mental sphere.
