For many of us, the ocean is a place to escape the chaos of everyday life and relax but did you know there are multiple health benefits to swimming in the saltwater.

Ocean swimming is much more than a stress reliever, with many believing it has magical healing powers to an array of ailments.

We all know that ocean swimming can help with our fitness level, but did you know it also helps to boost our immune system, circulation and skin health, strengthens muscles and improves our overall wellbeing.

1. Boosts your immune system

The saltwater of the ocean contains rudiments that help create the earth’s natural antibiotics and antibacterial properties. By swimming in the refreshing saltwater of the ocean, these properties can help stimulate a healthy immune system as well as help fight off any infections in the body.

Ever wondered why your nose is clear when you walk out of the ocean, and all you can smell is the salt. Well, the ocean’s saltwater contains sodium chloride, which helps clear the nasal passage, while also relieving allergies and respiratory issues, helping to boost your immune system.

2. Helps with meditation and relaxation

Everybody knows that exercising has great effects on our mental health but exercising out in nature and the ocean increases those benefits.

Feeling the movement of the water around you and the flow of the currents and waves in the ocean can help the body enter a relaxing meditative state which helps reduce the body’s stress.

There is nothing better than ocean swimming while admiring the beautiful coastlines and scenery surrounding you and enjoying the calming effect of feeling weightless in the water.

3. Helps improve overall health and wellbeing

Ocean swimming is known for improving your overall health and wellness. The magnesium found in saltwater and sunshine helping to relax muscles, reduce stress and relieve muscle aches, pain and soreness.

Ocean swimming also helps release our feel-good hormone dopamine and serotonin, which helps to stabilise your mood and increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

4. Improves skin

Saltwater is filled with all sorts of minerals and goodness for your skin, such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, chloride, potassium and sulphate.

When immersed in these minerals, it helps to keep your skin looking fresh, vibrant and hydrated. While also exfoliating and detoxing your skin.

So, there’s no need for a fancy skincare routine when you have the ocean.

5. Helps reduce inflammation

Saltwater is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help speed up the process of recovery and muscle fatigue.

Going for an ocean swim after a run, bike ride or your morning pilates class will leave you feeling refreshed and help limit your muscle soreness the next day. So you can get back to being active and doing the things you love. 

Featured Image: Libby and Robyn of the Fabulous Five swim group on a morning swim at Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour. Listen to OceanFit’s podcast with the Fabulous Five here.