Studies show Florida beaches can help make you happier

There's no doubt about it, Florida is a nature-lover's dream come true--especially so for those who enjoy being so close to the beach! It's really no wonder why the beach is often a yogi's choice atmosphere to practice grounding and mindfulness techniques either alone or with a crowd. Practicing these two tactics at any Florida beach can help bring peace to your day. 

Mindfulness in particular teaches you to bring your attention to the here and now, alleviating racing thoughts. While thinking through daily stimuli is normal, you may find your thoughts throughout the day getting lost in the future or the past in situations you have no control over, and this can exasperate feelings of anxiety and depression.

Every person deals with racing thoughts at some point or another, which is when finding a peaceful place to practice mindfulness can come in handy. With bright blue waves crashing against the shoreline, sand crunching below your feet, and gulls squawking in the distance, these and the multitude of other sensory-stimulating details make Florida beaches a great place to start!

And we're not just making that up, there have been plenty of studies suggesting that beaches alleviate stress, heal your brain, and improve moods. 

“Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state," Richard Shuster, PsyD and clinical psychologist, was quoted saying in an article by NBC News.

Though that goes for beaches beyond Florida, what makes the Sunshine State's coastlines unique is that by coupling the fact that parts of Florida offer warmth and sunshine all-year-around, our beaches are almost an unmatched paradise for year-round relaxation.

So, when you find your mind getting lost in thoughts and judgements, you can use Florida's many beaches' hypnotic powers to your advantage by practice bringing yourself back to the here and now.

Here's a tip on how to get started:

Allow yourself to bring your awareness to whatever senses you decide to focus on, and when you have another thought, practice bringing your awareness back. This is mental fitness, training the brain to stay focused on the present moment.

Start by paying more attention to the stimuli at the beach and analyze what your senses are experiencing
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• Sight: Watching the flight of seagulls or the sunset. Take time to gaze out at the horizon. Look at the clouds, the water and the space all around you. Notice the way these vistas make you feel.
• Smell: salty, fragrance. Each time you inhale, can you smell the salty, fragrant air? 
• Hearing: Walk close to the waters edge and listen sound of waves crashing on the shore.
• Touch: feeling the different textures. If it feels okay, try lying down directly on the sand and let your body relax. Notice how your body settles into the ground. Notice how the sand massages your toes and feet as you walk, inviting you into the present.  
• Taste: What does the air taste like? Is there a slightly salty taste? Can you still taste the hints of lime from the margarita you had earlier?

By continuing to ask yourself these kinds of questions, you will become a master of mindfulness in no time! If you need more help, consider signing up for mindfulness coaching with Florida coach, Jenna Boyle! 

Article by Jenna Boyle & Cassie Leigh

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