Surprising Health Benefits of Going to the Beach

Posted on August 4, 2022 by Mark Nosowicz

Happy Romantic Middle Aged Couple Enjoying Beautiful Sunset Walk on the Beach

Most people can agree that beaches are some of Earth’s greatest natural features. Homeowners pay a lot of money to live near a beach, people flock to sunny beachside locations on vacations, and when retirement age hits, people go off to warm coastal areas.

While we may not consciously be able to pinpoint the exact reasons why we feel so happy and relaxed after a day at the beach, it truly does have many positive effects on a person.

Here are a few surprising health benefits of going to the beach!

Sand Makes a Great Workout

A beach is a great place for a workout! Research shows that walking on the beach is a better workout than walking on concrete since you must work harder to move through the sand, even if you’re moving at the same speed. Walking on the sand also requires more energy than walking on a hard surface, even at the same speed. Take a long beach walk for a feel-good workout!

Reduce Arthritis Symptoms

Spending some time in the ocean water may help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Saltwater dehydrates inflamed cells in the body, reducing inflammation. Salt can be absorbed into the skin as you soak in the water, reducing swelling and pain.

Get Your Daily Vitamin D

One of the essential vitamins in our diets is vitamin D; however, very little of it gets absorbed through the consumption of foods. Fortunately, spending just ten minutes outside in the sun can allow a person to absorb their daily dose of vitamin D directly through their skin!

Enjoy Better Sleep

For people with insomnia looking for a natural remedy, the beach is a great place to try! The beach helps relieve three key factors that inhibit sleep: high stress and anxiety levels, lack of physical fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.

Not only do you feel immediately relaxed upon setting foot on the beach, but you get great exercise even from just walking on the beach! Additionally, the sun and lowered stress levels immediately help regulate a person’s hormones, making it far easier later that night to get a peaceful and deep sleep.

Enjoy all the health benefits a beach offers by booking a stay in York Beach, Maine! Sands by the Sea has the perfect accommodations for you and your family to enjoy a stress-free vacation on the beautiful beaches of southern Maine.

Top Tips for Swimming Safely in the Ocean

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Mark Nosowicz

man and woman swimming together in open water

If you’re planning a trip to the beach this summer, you might find yourself longing to jump right into the big blue sea. Ocean swimming is different from swimming in a pool. You must watch out for currents, waves and other natural dangers. Do not go in if you cannot swim at all. If you’re experienced in swimming, you can take the initiative to enjoy the ocean, but there are still some things you need to understand about this unforgiving water before taking your first dive in.

Here are some top tips for swimming safely in the ocean!

Don’t Go Out Too Far

There will likely not always be buoys or visible ropes to remind people not to go past them. You need to use your common sense to not get too far and deep into the ocean. Try to stay wherever your waist meets the water. Waves can get high, and if you are not prepared to swim under when a strong and large one comes, don’t try to go farther.

Swim Where Lifeguards Are Visible

If you are not an extremely confident swimmer, always swim in a designated ocean swimming area supervised by lifeguards. Stay close to shore so you can be seen and rescued quickly if needed. Not all beaches have lifeguards on duty, so people swim at their own risk.

Know Swimming Conditions before Going In

Research and pay attention to the news or any signs that warn you about the conditions of a beach. There may be warnings of:

Rip currents are narrow channels of fast-moving water. Instead of fighting them, swim parallel to the shore with the current and angle yourself slowly back to land.
Large waves are more powerful than you might think. Dive under one before it breaks. And remember: Never turn your back to the ocean when you’re in the water. Rogue waves or undertow can happen at a moment’s notice.
Shore breaks happen when a wave breaks on land, knocking swimmers down. Avoid beaches with rocky outcroppings or a steep slope into the water to avoid serious injury.
Inshore holes are long trenches that run parallel to the beach. They can surprise waders who are expecting shallow water. Make sure your children can swim, and stay with them in any water.

Pro tip: Never swim alone, even if you are an experienced swimmer. A swimming buddy can signal for help if needed.

If you are looking for a great place to plan your next beach vacation, look no further than Sands by the Sea! Our beachfront motel in York Beach, Maine, is nestled on one of southern Maine’s most beautiful coastlines.

5 Beach Activities to Try This Summer

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Mark Nosowicz

Friends playing with frisbee at beach on sunny day

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start planning your trips to the beach! If you think that spending time at the beach is limited to just swimming, there’s a lot more you’re missing out on.

Here are five activities to try at the beach this summer with your family and friends!

1) Have a Picnic

There are always a lot of food vendors near popular beaches, but sometimes it’s nice to pack yourself a picnic and indulge on the beach. If you’re going with a big group, make it a fun and creative potluck where everyone can contribute an easy dish—a variety of foods makes for a great beach picnic.

2) Look for Dolphins

Many beaches offer the chance to see dolphins right from the shore if you know what you’re looking for and when to look. Do a little research to see if your beaches apply and if so, check the best times to visit. Don’t forget your camera!

3) Play Frisbee

Frisbee is a classic beach game that people never get tired of enjoying together. There’s only one prop needed, and it’s very easy and cheap to get. You can even play with your dog if you’re on a pet-friendly beach. There are also more advanced versions like Frisbee golf, Ultimate Frisbee, and kan Jam, but the basic version will do just fine.

4) Go Window Shopping

Most beaches are in quaint beach towns. These towns are fun to explore and stroll through, as they typically have several stores along the beach. Spend time browsing when you’re ready to get out of the sun and grab some ice cream or saltwater taffy!

5) Rent a Waterfront Motel

Sometimes a day trip to the beach is not enough. Make it a mini-vacation and stay a few days at a waterfront motel! At Sands by the Sea, we have a gorgeous view of the York Beach waterfront in Maine. Whether you are planning a family vacation to the shores of the Atlantic, a relaxing and romantic getaway with your sweetheart, or a fun-filled trip with friends, we have the accommodations to keep you comfortable and blown away by fun activities and incredible views.

Category Archives: Summers in Maine