My last post having something to do with the beach was in April, when my hubby and I had a little get-away. While many people go to the beach much more often, it is pretty good for me to have gotten to the beach again only four and a half months later. I was going with a friend to take a Nia class over the hill. After the class we were going to go have breakfast then go to the ocean. We always figure if we drive over the hill we might as well go to the ocean. Turns out, the Nia class wasn’t being held but we decided to go over the hill anyway. First we had breakfast at a place not too far from the ocean. Then we sat there, at the breakfast place, talking for about an hour. It was kind of overcast and we had no plans so we weren’t in a hurry. But we finally did make it to the beach. It was awesome. Just a handful of people and a nice little cloud cover. First we walked one way on the beach, then back the other way. Then we decided to sit down. The weather was perfect! The sun actually came out around noon. We just talked and enjoyed the ocean. We were immersing ourselves in the negative ions.
I had heard this a long time ago, but never looked into it until now. And I barely glanced into it. But I can tell you that what I am seeing out there in the way of information is that the air is full of invisible particles called ions. Sometimes these ions can be positively charged or negatively charged. Oddly enough, it is the negatively charged or “negative ions” that can possibly have a positive effect on us.
According to an article on WebMD:
The director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C. is quoted as saying, “Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.”
The article further states:
Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.
When I heard of negative ions long ago, I had only heard of the ocean as being a place to experience them. Or if other places were mentioned I only remember the ocean. But the WebMD article mentions mountains, waterfalls, and even the shower. So there might be more to it than just feeling good when you are in these places because you are not at work. It could be because of the negative ions in the air.
Unfortunately watching the video or playing it on your computer or device will not give you the same effects. No negative ions via video, but I thought I would share it anyway. Along with some pictures.
My friend and I sure enjoyed our breakfast and our ocean time.
Would you rather go to the mountains or the ocean?
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