Finding Peace Through Ocean Therapy: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Need for a Break
Recently, I decided to step away from my computer for a day. A quick getaway to the ocean felt just right.
Self-care is essential, not an act of selfishness. In fact, it’s about nurturing yourself so you can be there for others. Taking care of your mental health is crucial.
I wasn't alone in this experience; my wife, who is Asian, and I spent the previous week coordinating the purchase of a plot of land 8,000 miles away on her home island. While the idea sounded exciting, the process proved to be quite demanding, leading us to seek a moment of respite.
The simplest way to alleviate stress is by engaging in activities you love. By shifting your attention inward, you can regain your balance and recharge your emotional energy.
Ocean Therapy: A Natural Healer
We are fortunate to live just a three-hour drive from the beach, so we opted for a brief overnight trip. Both my wife and I find joy in the beach environment, particularly the sunrises and the soothing sounds of the waves. The beach offers unparalleled therapeutic benefits, providing calming sounds, stunning sights, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature by strolling barefoot through the sand.
The timing was perfect, as the summer tourist season had not yet begun. The less crowded beaches and hotels allowed us the mental space we needed to unwind and rejuvenate.
Stress often narrows our focus, leading us to shut out the surrounding world.
One of the reasons why ocean therapy—or any form of relaxation—works is that it encourages us to lift our gaze and appreciate our surroundings. Challenges can quickly push us into survival mode, triggering our instinctual fight-or-flight responses. When faced with difficulties, it’s easy to become consumed by them, losing touch with the world around us.
Regaining Perspective
Intense concentration on problems can cause us to overlook other possibilities and lose sight of the bigger picture. The most effective way to regain clarity is to take a step back and momentarily disengage from the struggle.
We did just that, and it proved to be a wise choice.
Our brief escape was revitalizing. In fact, I experienced the best night's sleep I've had in a long while. Our emotional reserves are replenished, and we feel prepared to face the world again.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey Ahead
James McGinley, PhD, is a professor, author, certified life coach, and licensed counselor. His work focuses on cross-cultural and applied psychology, addressing personal and interpersonal challenges, as well as coping with adversity, stress, and crises.