4017: The Beach as Medicine by Kathy Robinson of Athena Wellness on Natural Therapy

[00:00:00] [SPEAKER_00] Your summer starts now with Memorial Day deals at The Home Depot. It's time to fire up summer cookouts with the Nexgrill 4 Burner Gas Grill on Special Buy for only $199. And entertain all season with the Hampton Bay West Grove 7-Piece Outdoor Dining Set for only $499. This Memorial Day, get low prices guaranteed at The Home Depot. While supplies last, price invalid May 14th through May 27th. U.S. Only Exclusions apply. See homedepot.com slash price match for details.

[00:00:30] [SPEAKER_03] Expedia and VisitScotland invite you to come experience the beauty that awaits in Scotland. The sweep of wild coastlines, quiet locks and untamed landscapes. Fresh cuisine that feels rooted in the land. Come experience the kind of stillness that stays with you long after you leave. Plan your Scottish escape today at Expedia.com slash VisitScotland.

[00:01:00] [SPEAKER_01] This is Optimal Living Daily. The beach as medicine by Kathy Robinson of AthenaWellness.com. And I'm Justin Malik. This is the show where I usually read to you but then on Sundays I think it's nice to share an extra episode from another podcast where we read to you and give a little commentary. And today I'm sharing an episode from my brother's show, Optimal Health Daily. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts, just search for Optimal Health Daily. So with that, here's my brother, Dr. Neil,

[00:01:29] [SPEAKER_01] as we optimize your life.

[00:01:35] [SPEAKER_02] The Beach as Medicine by Kathy Robinson of athenawellness.com. A much needed, long-awaited road trip to a favorite beach is on the horizon. I'm looking forward to the drive out, time with family and friends, and long walks to hidden coves for some quiet time. It's hard to disagree with Plato, who's quoted as saying, the sea cures all ailments, end quote. The beach is the perfect setting to enhance our overall well-being.

[00:02:02] [SPEAKER_02] Here's how the combination of sun, sea, and sand can act as natural medicine that nourishes our body, mind, and spirit. Body. One, days can be spent moving our bodies on the beach and in the ocean, interspersed with permission to relax and do nothing. Two, natural substances for our bodies abound, such as vitamin D production stimulated by the sun, magnesium from seawater as a de-stressor, the antibacterial detoxifying properties of salt,

[00:02:32] [SPEAKER_02] and the negative ions in the sea air to help us absorb more oxygen. And three, natural elements, such as the blue-hued landscape, the sound of water, and the warmth of the sand combine to activate our parasympathetic nervous system to help us relax and release feel-good endorphins. Mind. One, a relaxed body paves the way for a reduction in anxiety and stress and an increase of mental ease. Two, there's an opportunity

[00:03:01] [SPEAKER_02] to deepen this emotional tranquility by unplugging and using techniques like mindfulness to be present. And three, this calm, positive mental state has science to back it up. Marine biologist and author, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, calls this psychological state of less brain activity that's instilled by close proximity to the water and nature, blue mind, in his book by the same title. Spirit. One, a relaxed body and calm mind

[00:03:29] [SPEAKER_02] is perfect for inviting insight and reflection. Two, two, the choice to expand the experience of true downtime without manufactured stimuli is easier in a beach environment. And three, the space made from a cognitive timeout is the perfect breeding ground for creativity and connection. I find the best way to quickly settle into the beach landscape is with mindful awareness. Instead of directing my attention through focused meditation, mindful awareness is about deepening presence

[00:03:59] [SPEAKER_02] by welcoming our full experience, moment by moment, observing how the mind, body, and spirit feel. Here's my favorite way to practice mindful awareness. Give it a try the next time you're beachside. Fill a travel mug with your favorite morning beverage and begin your walk at sunrise to enjoy the empty beach. You may choose to walk alone or with your significant other or a good friend. If you're with someone, you may agree to walk in silence or have some alone time at some point in the walk. As you walk,

[00:04:28] [SPEAKER_02] notice what you're finding most pleasing. Perhaps the colors in the sky, the sound of the ocean, or the feeling of the sand on your feet as you walk. Whatever you choose, just enjoy that feeling for a while. When it feels right, broaden your awareness to your five senses. Just notice how your senses are engaged. Here are some examples of what you can bring into your experience as you stroll. Sight, the endless horizon, wildlife, clouds, footprints and patterns in the sand,

[00:04:58] [SPEAKER_02] sunlight reflected on the water, boats and surfers, shells, sea and plant life, sound, waves crashing, wind blowing, water receding over the pebbles and shells, seagulls, smell, sea air, marine life on the beach, seaweed, tidal pools, touch, the beach spray, ocean breeze, sun, sand, water lapping at your feet, wet sand,

[00:05:28] [SPEAKER_02] breath rhythm, body relaxing, texture of pebbles or shells, and taste, salt on the lips, morning coffee. Find a spot to sit facing the ocean. Feel each of the natural elements, such as the earth supporting you, the water relaxing you, the fire of the sun warming you, and the air unfolding you. Broaden your awareness by feeling what's around you. While sitting still, use your senses to perceive what's farthest from you on the horizon. What's closest?

[00:05:58] [SPEAKER_02] What's behind you? What's below you? What's directly above you? What's on either side of you? In this expanded, relaxed state, invite your mind to wander for a bit. You may find yourself gently processing the past, dreaming of the future, or discovering an insight. Before you bring your beach walk to a close, feel yourself connected to the energy of the landscape. Feel the sun and the ocean radiating in your cells. As you leave the beach, remember that you can always

[00:06:27] [SPEAKER_02] tap into this aliveness. Even when you return home, know that the ocean tides are continually flowing, the sun is still rising and setting, and the earth is always renewing and revitalizing. You just listened to the post titled The Beach as Medicine by Kathy Robinson of AthenaWellness.com

[00:06:49] [SPEAKER_05] Girl, winter is so last season. And now spring's got you looking at pictures of tank tops with hungry eyes. Your algorithm is feeding you cutoffs. You're thirsty for the sun on your shoulders. That perfect hang-on-the-patio sundress. Those sandals you can wear all day and all night. And you've had enough of shopping from your couch. Done hoping it looks anything like the picture when you tear open that envelope. It's time for a little in-person spring treat. It's time for a trip to Ross. Work your magic.

[00:07:20] [SPEAKER_04] Good sleep is everything. That's why Oli's Science Back Support is made with a blend of melatonin and L-theanine for both kiddos and grown-ups. So when your mind won't switch off, you've got something that can help. Erasing thoughts and restless nights won't stand a chance. Find Oli's sleep solutions for the whole family at Oli.com. That's O-L-L-Y dot com.

[00:07:44] [SPEAKER_02] Dr. Neil here for my commentary. When you think about it, it's amazing how most humans are attracted to bodies of water. When we're booking a hotel room and we're asked whether we want an ocean or lake view or a garden view, odds are we'll choose the view that overlooks the water. Being around water seems to bring us inner peace and joy at the same time. Some scientists believe that this is because water is necessary for our survival. So having it around helps us reduce some deep-seated anxiety about running out of water.

[00:08:14] [SPEAKER_02] Now, what should we do if we don't happen to live by a natural body of water? What if we don't even have access to a pool? Well, it turns out that accessing any kind of natural landscape, whether it's a green space like parks or other natural areas or green areas like being in a garden can have similar health benefits. So if you don't live near or have access to a real or artificial body of water, don't stress. Even spending time tending to your indoor garden

[00:08:44] [SPEAKER_02] can provide health benefits. Alright, that'll do it for me for today. I hope you're having a great weekend if you're listening in real time. Thank you for sharing this show with someone and I'll be back here tomorrow for the Sunday show and where your optimal life awaits.