As summer travel begins in full swing, many Americans are looking for sunshine and waves.
In addition to enjoying rest and relaxation, beach viewers will also receive the mental health benefits of “sea therapy”.
Thea Gallagher, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health in New York City, told Fox News Digital that “Sea Therapy is a real concept.”
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“The beach allows mindfulness because when you watch the ocean it promotes more existence because it is repetitive and can be more connected to the present while keeping us engaged.”
"It can also escape our busy lives and allow us to see far away, which can be convincing and relaxing," she added.
Sea Therapy can help beach viewers benefit from stress relief, mood improvement and attention recovery. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Numbers)
"Sea therapy" is often called thalassotherapy or blue space therapy, Gallagher said. It involves the healing properties of coastal environments.
The rhythmic movement of water can help regulate American nervous system and support cognitive recovery.
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“Spend time on the beach can have a profound impact on mental health,” Gallagher said.
The benefits may include stress reduction, emotional enhancement, cognitive recovery and improved sleep, she said.
"Marine therapy" is often referred to as thalassotherapy or blue space therapy because it involves the healing properties of the coastal environment. (iStock)
Beaches can help visitors recover from psychological fatigue, thereby promoting attention recovery.
"The negative ions in the sea air are associated with improvement in mood and reduced symptoms of depression," Gallagher said.
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Gallagher added that sun exposure also helps the body produce vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health, immune function and mood regulation.
Francesca Page, a travel expert in New York, told Fox News Digital that "sea therapy" is not her news.
Beach visits can improve mental health, reduce stress and improve sleep through mindfulness and relaxation. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Numbers)
Page said she was cruising through the British Virgin Islands’ “after-winter ruts”.
“Even if it’s just cruising on the water, it will definitely give me mental and physical restoration when not jumping off the island or snorkeling,” she said.
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Gallagher warned that potential drawbacks could be sunburn, dehydration, pollution, allergies and water safety issues - people seeking "sea treatment" should be aware of it in advance.
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“While swimming has other advantages, just being near the ocean – walking, listening to the waves or breathing at the sea – can promote relaxation,” Gallagher said.