The Sea and Your Health: Why Spending Time by the Sea Is Good for You

For many people, the sea is a symbol of summer, rest and renewed energy. Simply being by the coast naturally encourages us to move more, slow down and spend longer periods outdoors. Added to this are the effects of seawater, minerals, salty air and regular swimming.

Together, these elements can have a positive impact on physical fitness, skin health and mental wellbeing.

Minerals in Seawater

Seawater contains a wide range of naturally dissolved minerals. Sodium and chloride are present in the highest concentrations, but it also contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulphates and other trace elements.

When we swim, these minerals come into direct contact with the surface of the skin. They can influence its natural environment, help soften the outermost layer and, for some people, leave the skin feeling smoother and more hydrated.

Magnesium is particularly important, as it plays a role in several processes within skin cells and supports the normal function of the skin barrier. However, the effects of seawater are mainly local and limited to the skin’s surface. Swimming in the sea should therefore be seen as a pleasant part of body care rather than a substitute for good nutrition or medical treatment.

After swimming, it is advisable to rinse the skin with fresh water and apply a moisturiser if the skin is dry or sensitive. This allows us to enjoy the benefits of seawater without the uncomfortable feeling of dryness.

Fresh Coastal Air

The characteristic air by the sea is partly created by tiny droplets of seawater and salt particles released into the atmosphere by wind and waves.

Spending time on the coast often feels pleasant for breathing because it combines fresh air, movement, humidity and distance from enclosed urban environments. A walk along the shore or a calm morning swim can therefore be a simple way to begin the day feeling both active and relaxed.

The peaceful atmosphere by the sea may also encourage slower, deeper breathing, helping the body settle into a calmer state.

Swimming: Gentle Exercise for the Whole Body

One of the greatest health benefits of the sea is the opportunity to move regularly in the water.

Buoyancy supports the body and reduces pressure on the joints. At the same time, water creates resistance, meaning the muscles work with every movement. Swimming naturally engages the whole body and can help support:

• cardiovascular fitness,
• muscular strength and endurance,
• mobility,
• coordination,
• healthy posture.

Exercise in water can also be a comfortable option for people who find running or other high-impact activities difficult. The body feels lighter in the water while still receiving an effective, full-body workout.

Even simple walking in shallow water or along the shoreline increases energy expenditure and activates the muscles of the lower limbs. There is no need to perform at an athletic level — calm, regular movement can also bring meaningful health benefits.

Natural Support for Mental Wellbeing

The sea can also have a positive effect on mental wellbeing. The coastal environment combines open space, natural light, the movement of water, the steady sound of waves and the opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life.

Time spent near the water can encourage relaxation, ease feelings of tension and support a more positive mood. Movement also plays an important role, as physical activity promotes the release of substances associated with wellbeing.

A walk along the beach, a swim or simply a few quiet minutes looking out at the sea can become an easy form of mental rest.

Being by the coast also often encourages us to spend more time outdoors, remain active and share time with family or friends. These seemingly simple moments can be valuable for both physical and emotional health.

How to Enjoy the Sea in a Healthy Way

To make time by the sea truly beneficial, it is worth following a few simple precautions.

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Use sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and remember to drink regularly. Swimming should always be adapted to your fitness level and the conditions in the water.

The sea is a natural environment that can change quickly. Waves, currents and wind should always be treated with respect, even by experienced swimmers.

A Simple Way to Support Your Health

The health benefits of the sea do not come from a single substance or property. They result from the combination of mineral-rich water, movement, fresh coastal air, nature and rest.

Together, these factors can support physical fitness, provide gentle exercise for the joints, care for the skin and create much-needed space for mental recovery.

Sometimes, one of the best summer habits is simply to enter the water regularly, go for a swim, walk along the shore and allow yourself to slow down for a while.