A Note from Ilana – July 2019

Life’s a Beach!

Florida life exudes sunshine, beaches and leisure. Surrounded by water and immersed in tropical pleasures, you would think that living and working in Florida equates to being on vacation. But let’s be real….life is stressful; work, school, extracurricular activities, even our kids, partners and spouses. In our spa environment, a space where wellness, fitness and relaxation is the heart of the industry, you would think we’ve mastered the art of calm. But let’s face it….we also stress out. Whether it’s running a spa or running to do business with a spa, there’s no doubt that we all need to take a break. So if that weekly massage or your yoga call isn’t working for you and your still wrapped tight….Why not go to the beach???

In Florida we are fortunate to live in an atmosphere surrounded by water and many beautiful beaches. The melodic sounds of the surf and swaying palm fronds are captivating and open for the taking. I’m not sure if it’s because my astrological sign is Cancer and belongs to the element of water but I do have a love and passion for the beach. There is nothing like the ocean to completely reinvigorate your body and soul.

However, it does seem strange , that even though we live in the land of endless summer, it seems that many of us only enjoy the beach, barbecues and family vacations when the kids are off school or when we have time off from work. Maybe we need to rethink this….

When it comes to wellness and living with intent, sleeping deep, and nurturing ourselves we need to include how we unwind and de-stress. That’s where the beach comes in. There’s nothing like a day at the beach to zero in on keeping well-being alive. There are many reasons why going to the beach is just so healthy for us.

To start, it’s about soaking up some Vitamin D. This vitamin is crucial for our health, yet statically an estimated billion people worldwide are still deficient.   The sun not only can provide for a good frame of mind and give you that sun kissed summer glow, Vitamin D from the Sun gets synthesized in the skin and sun exposure in small doses has been proven to support bone growth and prevent calcium loss. (Don’t forget your sunscreen to protect you from too much exposure.)

Being immersed in salt water is extremely therapeutic for your joints and muscles. The ocean has the ability to heal little nicks, cuts, and scrapes, and you can also exfoliate with a little sand. Your skin will love you for it. (Remember that you need to reapply sunscreen after spending time in salt water.)

Taking a walk on the beach is a great way to clear your mind. There’s nothing more cathartic than a stroll along the shoreline of the beach and looking out onto the horizon. What a great way to chill out and hunt for seashells!!

The beach can also be a natural tech detox. Although technology does enhance our lives, too often it distracts from what’s really important; time together with friends and family or just being alone. The beach is an ideal place to unplug from the computer and cell phone. I find that in doing so, I’m undistracted and left with uninterrupted thoughts. It enables me to focus entirely on the moment and often enhances my creativity juices.

The beach is also a great please for a nap. Just the sound of the waves crashing on the shore can be like music to your ears and very calming.   A beach nap (in the shade!) is a therapeutic way to log in some snooze time.

The beach can be beneficial for preventive health since applying sunscreen on your face and body, enables taking time to pay attention to your skin and looking for anything you might not otherwise notice. It is a perfect opportunity for a body check.

A day in the sand is an excellent way to mix up your fitness routine for many reasons. Joining in a game of beach volleyball, Frisbee, paddle boarding or jumping over the waves for an aerobic exercise can relieve joint pain and burn some of those extra calories. Plus…beach workouts are easy on the wallet.

Lastly, being at the beach can be social. There’s something to be said about leaving everything behind and truly being present to enjoy your surroundings, including the people in them! At the beach, I find people connect and enjoy each other’s company. There’s a different vibe, one made up of people who are out for a nice time. I’ve noticed this when at the beach for the day.

So make time to enjoy what’s close at hand. Natural light and physical activity is always the path to staying fit and living in the moment, keeping in mind your family, your friends, your dog and most of all “you”. Your heart will love you for it!!

In Wellness

Ilana