7 Seaside Inspired Rituals for a healthy beach babe
This summer, we have traveled far and wide, from the Hamptons to Venice Beach to Italy and as far as Istanbul to collect seaside discoveries that will replenish our body, mind, and spirit.
Sometimes beauty lies in things as simple as a messy braid after an ocean swim, sea-salt exfoliated skin kissed by the sun, or the flush in your cheeks after a yoga class on the beach. This summer, we have traveled far and wide, from the Hamptons to Venice Beach to Italy and as far as Istanbul to collect seaside discoveries that will replenish our body, mind, and spirit.
The sea is much more than a place to relax and catch some sun. Its salty waters are home to dozens of plants such as algae, which, when we use it properly, can nourish our bodies from the inside out.
Seaweed also contains high levels of calcium and vitamin D, vitamins that are important for sustaining strong bones, alkalizing our bodies and offsetting the acidic effects of our modern diet.
Seaweed, one form of algae, has dozens of health benefits that go far beyond providing a tasty sushi wrap. Because its chemical composition is similar to our blood’s, seaweed can effectively detoxifies our bodies. Seaweed also contains high levels of calcium and vitamin D, vitamins that are important for sustaining strong bones, alkalizing our bodies and offsetting the acidic effects of our modern diet.
To top it off, seaweed can even aids in weight loss; it contains iodine that works to maintain thyroid function and hence affects our metabolism. Its powerful antioxidants, such as fucoxanthin in seaweed even act directly on the body’s fat stores. Finally, the fiber in seaweed slows down digestion to help us feel fuller for longer, reducing our temptation to overeat.
Blue green algae is another form of algae that provides these benefits and more. Take Spirulina, for instance; not only is it host to more than 65 different vitamins and minerals, but it is also one of the richest sources of protein. Adding a single teaspoon of Spirulina to fresh pressed juice provides a serious nutrition boost and powerful inflammation relief.
Algal oils are our new favorite way to get these Omega 3s. Omega 3s, also found in flax seeds and walnuts, are essential for preventing inflammation within the body.
Try applying an algae facial while you sip on your refreshing treat for a luminious complexion. The body can’t produce Omega 3s on it’s own, so it is essential that we add them to our diets. Algal oils are our new favorite way to get these Omega 3s. Omega 3s, also found in flax seeds and walnuts, are essential for preventing inflammation within the body. They also help prevent against blood clots by allowing blood platelets to easily slide by each other without sticking. Of course, you could take fish oil pills, but algal oil allows your body direct access to the nutrients. Algal oil is also much more sustainable than fish oil and is vegetarian, too. They can easily be taken in pill form with your daily vitamins or added as a liquid to your morning smoothie.
One element of the sea most of us are familiar with is sea salt. Using sea salt body scrub is another way we can benefit our bodies. Sea salt is a natural exfoliant that clears away dead skin cells and promotes the generation of new cells. This turnover helps to reduce skin discoloration and even cellulite, leaving your skin looking tighter, younger, and simply radiant. This, combined with the aromatic essential oils often added to scrubs, like lavender, makes for a truly serene bath experience.
Natural sea sponges are extremely sustainable and eco-friendly.
We also discovered eco-friendly sea sponges, a natural replacement for synthetic sponges. Natural sea sponges are completely hypoallergenic and toxin free, unlike synthetic sponges made from toxic petroleum byproducts. Synthetic sponges are also often treated with a chemical known as trisclosen to prevent mildew growth. But, while it may keep your sponges clean, this disinfectant actually wreaks havoc on your immune system and throws your hormones out of balance. Sea sponges, on other hand, actually contain a natural enzyme that prohibits the growth of mildew, mold, and bacteria while keeping your body healthy. In addition, unlike synthetic sponges that may take centuries to decompose, natural sea sponges are extremely sustainable and eco-friendly.
Who doesn’t love the natural beachy waves we get when we travel to the shoreline? Fortunately, you can get that look without moving farther than your bathroom! An organic sea salt mist will not only help absorb excess oil on your scalp, but it will also prevent dandruff so you can have silky hair all day.
When it’s time to wash the mist out at the end of the day, be sure to stick with the beach theme and lather up with some shampoo containing sea kelp. Kelp contains iron and the l-lysine, two nutrients that are key for hair growth. It is also rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, and a wide range of vitamins that make for strong and shiny hair all year round.
Finally, we can’t talk about beach benefits without mentioning the soothing sounds of the ocean. Listening to relaxing music and sounds help to ease anxiety and ease our nerves. Relaxation leads to better concentration, a happier mood, and much more restful beauty sleep. Download a track of ocean sounds to listen to before bed and during meditation; you will feel as if you were truly transported to a tropical destination.
An important part of feeling beautiful inside and out is keeping connected to the nature that surrounds us. There is no better place to find this feeling than where sun and sea meet.
And if a trip to the sea isn’t possible for you right now, you can still bring these seaside-inspired rituals home with you, making your body healthier and happier than ever.
Based in New York City, the founders of Bliss Out Wellness, Fern Olivia Langham and Sarah Anne Stewart are taking the growing health and wellness movement to another level. Coming together as teachers in the respective niches of yoga, meditation, nutrition and holistic health – together they are on a mission to inspire, teach, and support others desiring life-changing experiences and breakthroughs. Fern and Sarah have quickly become powerhouses in the wellness community, providing innovative, soul-awakening, yet fun one-on-one coaching programs, career coaching mentorships, events, workshops, retreat and wellness travel experiences.
