Many people find solace by the beach, with the bright sun and the water washing up on the sand. There is science behind this, as a study explains that a beach-type environment can improve mood and mental health. Thus, if you are looking to de-stress, book a vacation to the region with some of the best beaches in the world—the Caribbean.

How Beach Vacations Benefit Your Mental Health

1. Lower Stress Levels

Many individuals find tranquility in sitting by the beach and listening to the crashing waves of the Caribbean. It can help you reach a meditative state and reduce stress levels. According to experts, listening to the waves will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which sustains your energy. It does this by slowing your heart rate and boosting gland activity, which loosens the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. 

2. Heighten Hormones

The ocean mist carries negative ions, which have an anti-depressant effect by boosting endorphin and serotonin production, or “feel-good” hormones. This helps relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression associated with changes in seasons. These ions are also in the sand below your feet, which consists of pressure points that can relieve stress.

3. Improve Physical Well-Being

Studies prove that a lack of physical activities weakens not only your body but also your mental state. A vacation to the Caribbean where you relax in clear waters and white sand allows you to divert from your wake-work-sleep routine. You can also participate in activities such as swimming, walking along the shore, and sightseeing, among others.

If you are in Illinois or Missouri and want to relieve stress, book a vacation to the Caribbean with Nancy Luechtefeld of Unique Journeys LLC. She is a certified travel agent based in Affton, MO, and helps her clients get the best experiences in traveling North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and more. Whether you want to relish in river cruises or enjoy resort getaways, you can depend on her travel agency. For more information about their services, visit the website. Call (314) 644-8691 to book a trip.