Beach please! Enrich your mind, body and soul

There’s no question that your stay at Sodwana Bay Lodge will enrich your mind, body and soul. But here’s the thing: turns out that science also has proven that the beach benefits your mind and body. And as you know, our lodge is situated a mere 6 km from the water’s edge.

According to an analysis of English census data published in the journal Health Place, those who regularly spend time at the coast report better physical and mental health than those who don’t. So, it makes sense then that Sodwana Bay could very well be one of the happiest places on earth.

The beach certainly gets you feeling all Zen. And the scientific reasons are that the colour blue has been found to be associated with feelings of calm and peace. Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves, say the scientists, putting one into a mild meditative state. Blue also is associated with a boost of creativity. The name for this is ‘being in the blue zone’.

What’s more, because you’re breathing in the negative ions in the sea air, the smell of the ocean breeze contributes to your soothed state. These oxygen atoms have an extra electron and occur in places such as waterfalls and the ocean.

Plus that constant ebbing and flowing you hear as you lie on the beach de-stimulates your brain. This slows you down to a sort of hypnotic state, allowing you to relax and feel more engaged.

Not forgetting that wonderful feeling of walking barefoot on sand. That alone has a placebo effect.

Overall, spending time at the beach will change your perspective on life. And that perspective sure will change for the better! Generally, nature has always been a factor in healthy happy lives, but the beach in particular is just so damn good for the soul.

So, take advantage of the time you spend at Sodwana Bay Lodge by soaking up the benefits of ‘vitamin sea’ and while you’re at it, also practice mindfulness. The latter too has tons of mental health benefits, including stress relief.