Self-care is all the rage these days, and for good reason. As a society, we have gone too long without giving ourselves the necessary care and attention we deserve to stay healthy and happy. Burning the candle at both ends makes for quick results, but long-term losses.
Self-care may seem trendy, but it’s not all about expensive spa trips or indulging in decadent desserts (although that’s not a bad idea once in a while!). The real benefits of self-care come from making a dedicated ritual out of the simple pleasures in life.
So, are you looking for new ways to tap into the power of self-care? With the beautiful Long Beach beaches at our doorstep, why not revolve your self-care routine around the best medicine of all? Nature!
3 Ways to Make a Trip to the Beach a Self-Care Ritual
Go for a quiet walk, barefoot.
The beach is the perfect place to quiet your mind, get your daily exercise, and connect to nature. Kick off your shoes and spend at least 30 minutes walking along the shore. You’ll benefit from connecting directly with the sand/earth, give your mind a break from the screen, and let your body enjoy some gentle movement.
Meditate by the sea.
There’s nothing like the ocean’s waves to help you find your focus. Meditation can be a simple, yet transformative way to erase the stress of the day, balance your emotions, and feel at peace. If you, like many people, find meditation difficult, try a mindfulness exercise instead. Sit on the beach, near the tide, and listen to the sounds of the ocean. Breathe in and out slowly while you take note of the smells, colors, and energy of the area. Set a timer for at least ten minutes and dedicate that time to focusing on the present moment. If you notice your mind wandering, simply find something to focus on, like the waves, a bird feeding on the shore, or the sound of children playing.
Give gratitude in the sand.
Focusing on the good in our lives is one of the best ways to care for our mental health. Whenever you are lucky enough to make it down to the beach for a quiet moment, choose one thing you are grateful for to honor that day. Find a stick or use your finger to write that word in the sand with careful intention. It can be as small or large as you want it to be, but focus on the gratitude you feel for that person, item, feeling, or opportunity. Give thanks, then enjoy your time at the beach relishing in your renewed attitude of gratitude.
No matter how you choose to practice self-care, enjoy the simple investment in yourself!
