"It's incredible how it resets me," "all my sorrows fade away in front of the sea," or "I just need to see the water." Do these statements sound familiar to you?
The sea has magic. You know it makes you happy, but perhaps you don't realize that its benefits are not limited to an emotion. It's not your doing; it's science that confirms that 'ionization' is behind all the good the sea does for you and the reason this place hooks you like no other.
"Do you also find that you have come to accept mental saturation, unexplained fatigue, and headaches and muscle pain as collateral damage of modern life? Well, don't fool yourself, feeling this way is not normal."
"Behind that 'I don't know what's wrong with me, but I'm not okay' that, unfortunately, you know so well, there is an excess of positive ions. If you also live in a city, it's easy for this to be exacerbated by pollution and noise, and for all of this to be draining your internal battery."
And the air is made up of atoms. At the center of each atom are protons, which have a positive charge, and electrons, which have a negative charge. To the contrary, positive ions (the protons) charge us with negative energy and vice versa.
To understand each other, if we were talking about a cop and robber movie, the negatives would be the good guys and the positives, the bad guys.
Each negative ion —also called anion— is an atom or group of atoms that have won the battle against one or more protons, thus acquiring a negative electric charge.
They are invisible. They have neither smell nor taste, and nature is the best place to find them. Natural physical phenomena like rain, waterfalls, and fountains are their favorites, but without a doubt, the seashore is their home.
"You don't even see them, but through your skin and breathing, you absorb these microscopic molecules daily. This is how they enter your body and produce very interesting biochemical reactions for your emotional well-being."
They could very well be compared to the effects of an anxiolytic. Only that this one is completely natural and without side effects.
"As if that weren't enough, the sand is also negatively charged, which is why walking barefoot on the beach counts double. To give you an idea, on the coast the concentration is around 2,000 negative ions per cubic meter."
In a city, it doesn't reach 100. And in a normal home without ventilation, barely a few dozen. To make matters worse, appliances, mobile devices, synthetic fiber carpets, and plastic materials increase positive ions ("the bad ones").
Do you understand now why getaways to nature make you feel so good?
Different studies confirm that negative ionization increases serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter that helps the body manage stress and improves mood.
Well, the benefits of having the sea nearby don't end here. Negative ionization causes the levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase to rise.
"Do you know what effect this powerful natural antioxidant has? Well, it repairs the cells of your face, reduces the damage caused by free radicals on your skin, and creates a 'good face' effect."
"So it's not just that you feel better, but your skin is better. To top it off, this enzyme helps eliminate air impurities, which are responsible for respiratory problems like allergies, bronchitis, or asthma. Is there anyone who can offer more?"
Yes. Having the sea nearby helps you breathe better, strengthens your immune system, and facilitates sleep and rest.
"What happens if you are not lucky enough to live near the sea or have the opportunity to enjoy it whenever you want? Don't worry, a forest, the mountains, or even a nearby park or garden are another option."
The key is to surround yourself with green and nature to fill yourself with vital energy, let creativity flow, and feel better about yourself thanks to negative ions.
And remember to open the window of your home when it rains, especially after a storm. Rain also contains negative ions, so when the sky releases, take the opportunity to open the window to purify the environment and refresh it.
Having plants at home will also help you create an atmosphere of calm and well-being in your home.
Photographs of Helena Corneth Carrés