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

There’s nothing quite as synonymous with Sarasota as the beach — and we’ve got good news for those who flock to the surf and sand as soon as work lets out on Friday afternoon.

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 water views report feeling calmer than those without them.

So, it makes sense then that Sarasota has earned the ranking of one of the happiest states in the U.S. by the annual Gallup poll, doesn’t it?

HOW THE BEACH BOOSTS YOUR MOOD

When it comes to why, exactly, the beach gets you feeling all Zen, there are a few factors at play, says Richard Shuster, PsyD, the clinical psychologist and host of The Daily Helping podcast.

“The color blue has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace,” says Shuster. “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.” A study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s journal even found that blue is associated with a boost of creativity.

Plus, that consistent ebbing and flowing you hear as you lie on your towel under an umbrella? “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, owner of Chrysalis Psychological Services and host of the podcast Beyond the Couch.

The smell of 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 a seasonal affective disorder.

Finally, the simple act of touching the sand makes you feel all fuzzy. “The physical sensation of putting your feet in warm sand causes people to relax,” says Shuster.

But it turns out 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 shows for this, as just about any beach scene in pop culture portrays the locale as super-tranquil.

Oh, and before we forget the “body” part of the whole “mind-body connection” — we give you full permission to go hog wild with sunscreen. “Sunscreen is a critical tool for helping beachgoers avoid sunburn, and it reduces the risk of developing skin cancer,” says Tyler Hollmig, MD, dermatologist, and director of laser and aesthetic dermatology at Stanford Health Care. Skin cancer’s no joke: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, experts estimate that one in five Americans will develop the disease in their lifetime.

Hollmig points out that most people don’t use enough sunscreen when they hit the sand. Use an SPF of 30 or higher and apply an ounce (aka a shot glass full) from head to toe 15 minutes before heading outside. “No sunscreen is truly waterproof,” he says — which is why you need to reapply every two hours or ASAP after a dip in the water.

Now, book your trip to Sarasota and get out there and soak up all that vitamin sea.

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Credits: NBC News