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Bondi Beach Ocean Therapy

One of the key motivations for setting up Bondi Mind Counselling, was my strong belief in the mental health benefits of being close to the ocean.  The ocean affects people on almost every level when it comes to mental health:

 

Encourages Physical activity

Being active is central to good mental health. In fact, it’s probably the first step a professional will recommend to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.  And if you head to the beach you’ll notice all sorts of activities from group fitness to running, walking, swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, to name a few.

 

At Bondi there’s a couple of surfing organisations specifically set up for mental health and wellbeing – Waves of Wellness (https://www.foundationwow.org), and One Wave (https://www.onewaveisallittakes.com) which offer surf therapy and other programs, such as Fluro Fridays. I know a number of people who rely on getting out into the surf on an almost daily basis to take care of their mental health – the benefits of surfing are too many to mention here, but if you’re interested check out https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/how-surfing-improves-your-mental-health

And if you want to learn how to surf, Let’s Go Surfing is the Bondi go to … https://letsgosurfing.com.au

 

It can relieve symptoms of depression

The sound of the waves crashing, and the sound of water can help relieve negative feelings

Visiting the beach allows you to clear your mind of any dark thoughts you might be having and helps with your worries.

 

Sea air helps with insomnia

Sea air is enriched with oxygen and is cleaner, and fresher generally.  It provides a more quality sleep.

Listening to the waves crashing on the shore, can help you relax and fall asleep, and lower stress.

 

It lowers stress levels

Ocean water is filled with positive ions which have a calming effect on your mind.

It is a great space to contemplate and reflect on your life

  • Being by the ocean gives you the chance to put things in perspective. A walk in the sea air, or sitting on the beach or by the coast can help you to look more positively at life.  And the latest research shows that spending time in nature reduces production of the stress hormone cortisol, so you feel happier and healthier.
  • Often in movies and books, it shows creatives engaging in their craft close to the ocean. And this is because spending time by the sea can encourage you to be more motivated and productive.  The soothing sounds and visuals of the ocean improves creativity, whether it be for art or solving other issues in your life.

I know for myself, that walking down at Bondi, or sitting on the beach has many benefits:

  • Putting life in perspective
  • Recharging, remotivating, relaxing, rejuvenating
  • Keeping me active and full of life, and joy of life.

Often if clients are not ready or wanting to sit in face to face in counselling, I encourage either ‘walk and talk therapy’ or a session talking, sitting by the beach.  Either that, or taking a walk before or after a counselling session can be very helpful.

If you’re interested in walk and talk or sessions by the beach, they are $80 per session. Please get in touch to find out more. Ph: 0414 907 764, or email me at jacinta@catley.com.au

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