men jumping on a beach volleyball court

Beach Hobbies

On the benefits of the beach, combined with the benefits of hobbies.

The beach brings together at least four of the five senses to calm us down.

Hearing

Spotify Embed: Ocean Sounds

Listening to the sound of waves crashing has been shown to enhance relaxation more than any other sound […] It also decreases blood pressure and improves heart rate variability.

Health Benefits of Going to the Beach, From a Neuroscientist | byrdie

aerial view of bright blue sea with foamy waves near sandy beach in daylight
The sound of the waves is relaxing.

Evidence shows ocean sound may help reduce stress and create a sense of calm.

Featured news – Evidence shows ocean sound may help reduce stress and create a sense of calm – University of Exeter

Sight

Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.

What the beach does to your brain | NBC News

There is something about the color blue…

[…] research suggests that blue spaces (aquatic environments such as coasts, rivers, and lakes) are associated with a range of aspects related to improved mental health.

Coastal proximity and mental health among urban adults in England: The moderating effect of household income – ScienceDirect

Above all, the beach is simply a beautiful sight.

aerial photo of ocean waves
The beach and sea are beautiful.

Smell

The smell of the ocean breeze contributes to your soothed state, which may have something to do with the negative ions in the air that you’re breathing in.

What the beach does to your brain (nbcnews.com)

No wonder there are beach-inspired perfumes (possibly first envisioned by Cosmo Kramer).

a bottle of perfume in the sand
The smell of the beach inspires perfumes.

Touch

The physical sensation of putting your feet in warm sand causes people to relax.

What the beach does to your brain (nbcnews.com)

Sand, and more specifically wet sand, is a unique feature of many beaches. Beach sand provides a special sensory stimulation, and allows us to go crazy and lose ourselves. For example when playing beach volleyball.

man midair playing beach volleyball
Sand allows us to be bolder.

Even just walking on sand is healthy, and pleasant.

Back View Photo of Women Walking by the Beach
Even just walking on the beach is great.

And as long as we are not unlucky, we can also enjoy the soft touch of the sun on the beach.

The beach is good for us

No wonder science finds the beach is good for us:

Research finds that spending time by the ocean is pretty good for your wellbeing.

What the beach does to your brain | NBC News

Even proximity to the beach does wonders:

[…] individuals reported significantly better general health and mental health when living nearer the coast.

Coastal proximity, health and well-being: Results from a longitudinal panel survey – ScienceDirect

The beach can lower stress, lift our mood, and improve our overall well-being.

[…] proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success.

Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do

The beach is a great setting for hobbies

The benefits of the beach make it a perfect setting for enjoying the benefits of hobbies, combined with true quality time.

beach volleyball team performing a motivational activity
The beach is a great setting for hobbies.

Beach Hobbies Collection

Each hobby page is designed to inspire and help you get started.

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