When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to take time out and relax? With Summer at our southern hemisphere doorstep what better way to unwind than finally going on that long overdue break to the beach. Whether it is with family, friends or solo, travelling is one of the best things you can do for your mind, body and soul. It’s all about finding that perfect beach holiday home where you can stroll out onto the surf, breathe in the salty air and feel the grains of sand crunch between your toes. As if that’s not enough to already tempt you, we thought we’d add some more reasons to the list of why we believe you could use a little vitamin sea!

Letting go

We all get caught up in things; work and life stresses never seem to end, do they? It’s the fast-paced, instant living, expectations and constant ‘keeping up’ that puts us on track to burnouts and we think you deserve a break. Just imagine the fresh coastal breeze blowing away the cobwebs and reviving your soul. Sea air is filled with tiny droplets of seawater which are enriched with salt, iodine and magnesium. These ions not only boost your ability to absorb oxygen but also balance levels of serotonin! That’s why you end up feeling more alert, content and energised. The seaside is the perfect place to unwind and just let go.

Vitamin D injection

I’m sure you’ve heard that UV rays help the body to produce Vitamin D. Provided you are wearing sun protection and avoid that harsh midday heat, sun exposure works wonders to improve your sense of physical and emotional wellbeing. The stimulation of vitamin D allows your body to make use of elements like phosphorus and calcium which promote strong bones and new cell growth. Beach holidays are clearly vital to your health *wink*

Staying Active

Who doesn’t love taking early morning and late afternoon beach walks? Just imagine the sound of the waves breaking while walking close to the sea edge to splash your feet into the cool water. Or going out to catch some waves. Beach walks and surfing about in the sea make for great cardio sessions while hardly registering as ‘exercise’ because they are so enjoyable. That’s a double whammy right there.

Unplug

Being on a beach holiday is the easiest time to ‘unplug’ from the digital world and yet another reason why it is good for your mind and soul. Being able to spend your time sunbathing, swimming, taking strolls or reading without being constantly ‘plugged in’, minimises stress, anxiety and depression. This is a time for catching rays, indulging in good food, making memories with family and friends and getting elbow deep in sand, building castles and fortes. There are just too many other things you’d rather be doing when at the beach.

There is nothing quite like a beach holiday. It’s something about the therapy of the crashing waves and the long stretches of sand. It’s about the comfort of warm rays melting over salt-kissed skin and the wriggling of toes in the sand. It’s how time seems to slow down, and your biggest worry is about what to snack on next. It’s the way the ocean detaches you from reality just long enough to replenish and restore your mind, body and soul. It’s the power of vitamin sea.