Last Friday was our 5 year wedding anniversary. The hubby and I decided to take a quick trip to the Oregon Coast to celebrate, and I'm so glad we did! This was, hands down, one of the best mini vaca's we've ever taken.
When we first arrived at our rental house, I was a little disappointed (ok, I fully admit I may have thrown a little fit). The place was an instant throwback to the 70's (or at least, for me, to the house I grew up in that was built in the 70's). From the pictures online, I thought it would be an endearing step back through time. But the first thing I noticed when we walked through the door, was the old, musty stench that resonated in every single room. The place was a sauna, the beds were awfully hard, and almost nothing had been updated - including the furniture and applicances. It was almost comical seeing some of these things, but at the time I thought, "are we really staying here all weekend?"
We went to the store to buy some Febreeze (kicking myself the whole time for not bringing my essential oils diffuser!) and opened all the doors and windows to air the place out. After that, I realized I was probably overreacting, especially because I was overlooking the best part - the gorgeous oceanview! A picture window in the living room and a covered deck looking right out onto the water made up for the house itself. We had neighbors, but despite a few fireworks and screaming kids every now and then, the place was incredibly tranquil and peaceful.
We did a little sight seeing and shopping, but for the most part, had no agenda, which was wonderful. Reading or playing games on the deck with the sound of the crashing waves, and the smell of the salty air, was pure heaven. And we were just steps away from the beach. I found myself wishing all weekend that we could stay longer, or better yet, have a beach place of our own to retreat to whenever we wanted.
I can honestly say that I haven't felt that good in YEARS. Probably the best I've felt since the 8 years that Leigh and I have been together, when my health started going downhill. For once, I felt normal again. Actually, probably even better than normal!
Looking back on it now that I'm home, I cannot believe, even more so, the difference I felt with my health. On Saturday, I went almost the entire day without even thinking about my pain - because it wasn't there! And the only reason I started hurting is because we had walked 10,000 steps (per Leigh's fitbit, and I was right beside him the whole way!). I have a hard time walking 100 steps on an average day, so this was an amazing feat.
My sinuses have plauged me ever since we moved to Olympia (over 3 years, and possibly even before) - but I was clearer than ever all weekend. And I couldn't help but notice that as soon as we got home, my problems started back up - almost worse than usual. If only pollution could turn into salty air and ocean breeze!
Even though the bed seemed hard, I slept better than usual (probably thanks in part to the quiet that we don't get at home with the constant trains and military helicopters all night!) and even woke up with little to no pain. My energy levels were increased, and overall, I finally felt like "myself" again. Perhaps even the better version of me.
I think it's true to say for anyone (healthy or not) that the invigorating fresh air, the soothing sound of the ocean waves, and the warmth of the sun are beneficial to our health - both physically and mentally. Studies even show that people who live by or on the coast, or who get to vacation there regularly, are much happier. Everyone knows how therapeutic the ebb and flow of the ocean waves are, and how rested and relaxed it can make you feel. I've been curious to know what studies have shown about the ocean and why it has such healing powers. Here are some things I've found:
Sea salt water is comprised of many beneficial components such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The main component, however, is sodium chloride which has a magnitude of healing power. Sea salt is known to activate your body’s natural self-healing, and provide positive psychological and therapeutic effects. Also, tens of thousands of negative ions are emitted in this environment, relieving stress and boosting your mood. Benefits of the sea:
Energy levels increase.
Preserves serotonin and melatonin hormones, which help the body to relax and promote a better night’s rest.
Relieves and hydrates dry and itchy skin, and naturally opens up the pores.
Helps to relieve muscle pains.
Reduces inflammation in the respiratory system, therefore slowing down the production of phlegm.
Helps to alkalize the body.
Stimulates a strong immune system.
Calms nerves.
Naturally detoxifies the skin and exfoliates dead skin cells.
Helps to heal wounds and reduce infection.
Flushes out toxins.
(insiderhealth.com)
If any of you out there are dealing with chronic disease or pain, I strongly encourage you to take a trip to the beach. I know most of you, like my husband and I, struggle financially because of your illness. This time around, we decided to dip into our small savings that we started a long time ago to buy a house (that's now for medical) and it was so worth it!! I'm feeling more and more like life is too short not to enjoy things like this. Plus I really wanted a moment for both of us, that we could get away from all the stresses of life and my illness, to celebrate our marriage and all that we've been through together.
Even if you can't make it to the ocean, I encourage you to do your best at visiting your "happy place." All theraputic reasons aside, the beach has always been a source of joy for me - I often say that it runs in my blood, and that if I could live on the beach, I would. I feel that stronger than ever now, and long for the day that we can return. Because before, it was just a place that made me happy. Now, it's a spot that makes me feel happy AND free of the burden of illness. It's definitely difficult coming back to reality after having a taste of that carefree, symptom-free normalcy. But I'm so glad I got to experience it, even if only for a few days!
