Keisha BlairWhether you’re actually on a beach or just planning on watching a beach movie, there’s a good reason why the beach is good for curing any kind of blues. Studies from the United States and Britain have found beach-dwelling promotes improved happiness, general well-being and even brain function.
It’s perhaps why residents of the US state of Hawaii have been ranked the happiest in the US for six consecutive Gallop surveys. Research by Kobe University in Japan found people who live in a house with a view of the ocean are calmer than those who don’t.
It mirrors the findings of data published in Health Place, which concluded that Brits who live by the coast report better physical and mental health. According to Medical Daily, sea water contains minerals including magnesium, potassium and iodine that could help the body fight infection.
And breathing in the sea air has respiratory benefits that could result in a better night’s sleep. Clinical psychologist Richard Shuster told NBC that the ‘zen’ feeling induced by being at the beach comes down to a number of drives — and not just the benefit of vitamin D. The colour blue has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace.
Staring out at the ocean also results in a kind of meditative state, and actually changed the frequency of brain waves.
The sound of waves coming in, crashing and then receding again can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing us down and promoting relaxation.
I know first-hand the power of the beach. After my husband died, I took a sabbatical to #Jamaica and it worked marvels for my mental health.
Here Are The Best Beach Movies to Cure Any Kind of Blues:
THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon is said to be the mother of all beach movies. Filmed at the stunning Blue Lagoon in Portland, Jamaica, the movie shows off idyllic beaches, wonderful turquoise and blue waters – enough to beat any kind of blues. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most scenic locations in Jamaica and truly remarkable, if you ever get to see it firsthand.
BLUE CRUSH
The 2002 surfer flick that put Kate Bosworth on the map is the ultimate definition of #summergoals. Kate Bosworth stars as Anne Marie, a Hawaii-based hotel maid whose dreams of becoming a pro surfer were put on hold following a near-death accident in the water. With the encouragement of her BFFs—including Eden, played by Michelle Rodriguez—Anne Marie decides it’s time to get back in the game. And with the help of a visiting NFL quarterback (Matthew Davis), she does just that.
GIVEN
This film is a gorgeous travel movie, soulful parable, and intimate family portrait all in one. Follow the beautiful and bohemian Goodwin family as they travel the world in search of a big fish, and hear it all recounted by their six year old son.
DR. NO (JAMES BOND)
Filmed in Jamaica, this was one of the best James Bond movies of all time.
50 FIRST DATES
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore were a perfect match in this 2004 movie. Sandler played Henry, a bachelor who lives on a boat in Hawaii and works as a sea life veterinarian at a local aquatic park. Henry’s world is turned upside down when he meets Lucy (Barrymore), a local who suffers from severe short-term memory loss following a near-deadly car crash the year before. Despite the fact that Lucy can’t remember anything past the day of her accident—and relives the same day over and over, thanks to the extreme measures taken by her father and brother—Henry is determined to win her over, no matter what it takes.
A PERFECT GETAWAY
A perfect getaway is a psychological thriller, with several good twists. And it all takes place in beautiful Hawaii! Follow two pairs of honeymooning hikers as they make their way through waterfalls, jungle, and gorgeous beaches, all with a serial killer lurking somewhere nearby.
FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL
When music composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) is dumped by his actress girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), he takes a vacation in order to properly mourn the end of their five-year romance. But as soon as he gets to his picturesque Hawaiian destination, Peter finds that it won’t be so easy to forget his ex-girlfriend—who just so happens to be staying at the same resort with her new rocker boyfriend, Aldous Snow (played by Russell Brand). Luckily for Peter, the hotel’s concierge, Rachel (played by Mila Kunis), takes him under her wing—and as they begin to fall for each other, Peter realizes that his time with Sarah wasn’t really as perfect as he thought.