When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, very few places on Earth can compare to living by the Atlantic Ocean. The benefits of an Atlantic Ocean lifestyle are well-documented. They include everything from improved heart health to increased levels of happiness. 

In addition to the physical benefits of living near the ocean, numerous mental health benefits exist. Here are ten benefits of living near the ocean and why you should consider moving to an Oceanfront Resort like Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach.

1. Bless Your Heart: The Ocean Improves Cardiovascular Health

Bless your heart is a famous Southern saying. But we are talking about literally blessing your heart. Living in a condo on the ocean can improve your heart health and decrease your chances of cardiovascular disease. One of the most obvious benefits of living by the sea is the increased level of physical activity that it encourages. 

Walking on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and even simply sitting by the water can help get your heart pumping and your blood flowing.

This increased physical activity can lead to various health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

2. The Ocean Can Help Improve Your Sleep Quality

We all know how important a good night’s sleep is for our health and well-being. But did you know that sleeping near the ocean can help improve your sleep quality?

The ocean has ebbs and flows similar to our circadian rhythm, which helps you get a good night’s sleep without taking medication. It is documented that better, uninterrupted sleep can lower your risk of multiple diseases.

The sound of the ocean can be incredibly soothing and relaxing, making it easier to fall asleep. The sound of waves crashing against the shore can be hypnotic, gentle, and calming.

Another reason is that the air near the ocean is typically much cleaner and fresher than inland air and city air. Believe it or not, less smog and air pollution can help you sleep better.

3. The Omega Ocean: An Abundance of Fresh and Healthy Seafood

There’s no doubt that seafood from the ocean is fresher and healthier. The reason is simple: seafood is abundant in the ocean, so it’s easy to find fresh seafood. And there is no better time to eat seafood than when it’s caught.

Kingston Plantation has a variety of upscale oceanfront dining restaurants. Tempt your palate with delectable southern seafood favorites — prepared with ingredients from local farmers and fisheries. 

Relax and dine in a casual oceanfront restaurant, like Cafe Amalfi, offering simple cuisine with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the Mayo Clinic, omega-3 fatty acids may benefit heart health by:

• decreasing triglycerides
• lowering blood pressure slightly
• reducing blood clotting
• decreasing the risk of strokes and heart failure
• reducing irregular heartbeats
• help prevent heart disease and stroke 

They advise eating at least two servings a week of fish, mainly fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, because doing so reduces the risk of heart disease, particularly sudden cardiac death.

It is proven that fish oils:

• improve cognitive function
• stimulate brain health
• boost immunity
• fight inflammation
• help with weight loss

So there you have it – some of the many health benefits of fish oils. If you want to improve your overall health, the Atlantic Ocean lifestyle in North Myrtle Beach is for you.

4. Health Benefits of Sunshine on the Body

We have all heard that daily sunshine benefits our health in many ways. The obvious benefit, of course, is the Vitamin D it provides. The sun’s rays provide vitamin D, essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system.

Sunlight exposure is vital for vitamin D absorption; the ocean provides plenty of natural sunlight. And Myrtle Beach has more sunny days than rainy and cloudy.

For the reasons mentioned above, many people move south from other parts of the country where they only see the sun a few months out of the year. People living in areas like that often get what is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

There are more benefits to soaking up the sunshine, and Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to do it! However, the sun has many more health benefits than just vitamin D.

Here are more health benefits of the sun you may not know about: 

• it can help relieve pain
• the sun can help lower blood pressure
• improves heart health
• sunlight is known to help lower blood pressure
• helps reduce the risk of having a stroke
• improve brain function

Sunshine can also help improve your mood and fight off depression. Spending time in the sun reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your mental health and well-being, head to Kingston Plantation Resorts for some fun in the sun!

5. Exposure to the Ocean’s Sun Can Help Improve Mental Health Conditions

Exposure to the sun can help improve mental health conditions. The ocean has a calming effect and can be soothing for people with anxiety or depression. We mentioned the importance of vitamin D, but did you know vitamin D helps protect against depression and anxiety?

In addition to seasonal affective disorder, a lack of vitamin D is linked to a variety of mental health conditions, such as:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• depression
• anxiety
• panic attacks

Therefore, getting exposure to the sun can help improve mental health conditions. 

Additionally, the sun’s rays help to boost serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and a lack of it has been linked to depression. 

By getting enough exposure to the sun, people can help improve their mental health by boosting their serotonin levels.

6. Sunkissed: Why the Ocean is Great for Our Skin

Besides a gorgeous sunkissed tan, did you know the ocean is excellent for our skin? 

Yup, it’s the salt. 

Saltwater has healing properties that can help soothe skin conditions. The ocean is excellent for our skin for several reasons. 

1. Exfoliation

Saltwater is a natural exfoliator, helping to remove dead skin cells and leaving our skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The ocean has a high salt content that can help detoxify and cleanse the body.

2. Minerals & Nutrients 

Ocean water contains minerals and nutrients beneficial for our skin, including zinc, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals help improve our skin’s texture and appearance and provide essential nutrients that keep our skin healthy. 

3. Acne

Since ocean water is known for its calming and relaxing effects, this can help reduce stress and tension levels in our bodies and our skin. This leads to fewer breakouts and improves eczema as well. The ocean provides an overall more youthful appearance.

7. Goodbye Stress and Hello Peace & Relaxation

The ocean is a great place to relax and de-stress. Just seeing the horizon and sunrise can help reduce stress and promote a sense of peace. You can say the ocean is our planet’s natural stress reliever. We are one with the sea.

The ocean decreases stress levels in several ways. The sound of the ocean is very relaxing, and the sight of the vast expanse of water is calming, soothing, and healing. 

That is why people in big cities are stressed out all the time. Something about the ocean seems to wash away all of life’s stress. 

The smell of salt water can be soothing. Walking barefoot in the sand can be a grounding experience, and swimming or floating in the water can help release body tension. Taking a break to spend time by the ocean can significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Kingston Plantation Resorts believes in the importance of wellness wrapped in luxury. Next time you visit, don’t forget to check out the fantastic spa and wellness services.

8. Don’t Worry, Be Happy

The ocean has a way of making people happy. Negative ions in sea air can help increase serotonin levels, known as the “happy hormone.” Research has shown that living near the ocean increases joy. 

One study found that people who live near the ocean are more likely to report higher happiness and satisfaction with life than those who live further away. 

The sound of waves on the shore, the smell of salt in the air, and the feeling of the sand between your toes all contribute to a sense of happiness. Focusing on listening to the waves and hum of the ocean blocks out negative thoughts and promotes feelings of relaxation.

This practice is mindfulness; the ocean is a common tool in mindfulness techniques. People come to the ocean because it is a place where they can relax and forget about their troubles.

 If you are reading this and do not live on the ocean or near it, take a minute to picture it in your mind. 

• feel the heat and glow of the sun on your face
• hear the sounds of the waves and seagulls
• touch the sand you are walking on
• smell the saltwater breeze

Stand facing the horizon and look out into the open space. Oh, that saltwater breeze, the kind that is just cool enough to keep the temperature perfect. 

Speaking of perfect, autumn is the ideal time of year at Kingston Plantation if you like dolphins! 

“October is a great time to see dolphins in Myrtle Beach. Starting at the end of September, the winds shift to the north. This means that dolphins living off the Virginia and North Carolina coasts will start to work their way south come October.”…read more

9. Breathe Easy: How Ocean Air is Great for Your Lungs

Have you ever noticed that you take deep breaths near the ocean? Besides the smell of salt, seaweed, and fresh, clean air, the ocean is also great for your lungs. Breathing in the salty air from the ocean can help clear your sinuses and respiratory passages.

Ocean air is full of negative ions. They help cleanse the air and make it easier to breathe. They also reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve your overall lung health. Breathing in sea air can clear congestion and relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions.

This is why when you visit Myrtle Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, you will see many people walking, running, and even riding on the shore. Many of our friends who do yoga often do it on the beach to help with breathing techniques.

You could buy a sizeable medical-grade air purifier for your home or live in an oceanfront condo without the extra “charge.”

10. Pain, Pain, Go Away: Relief Is in the Ocean Today

Did you know that the ocean can reduce pain? Swimming in the ocean can help improve joint mobility and flexibility and increase muscle strength.

The natural minerals in seawater can help to soothe aches and pains and reduce inflammation. Even floating in the water can relieve symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain. Soaking in seawater can help ease muscle tension and pain.

Being surrounded by blue space has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, which can help to improve mood and promote relaxation. This, in turn, decreases pain in your body.

Being in the sun can help boost endorphins, nature’s natural painkillers. Walking on the beach can help improve balance and coordination and increase flexibility and stability, lowering your chances of falling if you struggle with vertigo or balance issues.

In conclusion, you can see that the ocean provides many health benefits. When you live an Atlantic Ocean lifestyle at Kingston Plantation Resort, you will look better, feel better, and have a better quality of life.

If you are interested in visiting Myrtle Beach and want to see how your life can improve, contact one of our experienced real estate agents. They can help you find a place to call home. Your very own Atlantic Ocean Life!