Every 2 years (with 2020 the exception) for the last 26 years or so, I’ve spent a week at the Outer Banks in North Carolina with my extended family. It’s usually somewhere around 25-40 people sitting on the beach, playing games, chatting, relaxing, playing games, and eating great food.
Despite not being much of a water person (I greatly prefer the joys of land), in my 30s and now 40s I’ve found that I look forward to the ocean waters for healing and rejuvenation. Now, this may entirely be a made-up placebo effect in my mind, but I’m curious if you feel the same way, so I’ll share it here.
For the most part, I’ve always found the salty ocean water to be really good for my skin. My skin always feels fantastic for weeks after spending time in the ocean. It seems to dry out and reduce blemishes while also refreshing and rejuvenating. It’s amazing.
I turned to the ocean for something else this year. Because of some aggressive disc golf backhand play, I’m pretty sure I’ve slowly been tearing (or at least severely aggravating) the muscle in front of my right shoulder over the last few months. I was looking forward to using the ocean as an ice bath of sorts, just as professional pitchers do after a game.
So at least twice a day over the last week, I’d wander into the ocean when the waters were calm, and I would simply let my right arm soak for 15-20 minutes. The water was never warm, but some days it was more bearable than others.
Without fail, my arm felt so much better after each soak. It still needs time and rest, but I’m convinced the ocean helped.
What do you think? Do you feel better–physically, mentally, or emotionally–after spending time in the ocean? The photo below shows me and my mom waiting for a break in the waves last week.
Yes, my spine and need are a wreck from my early years playing rugby. Also in my 40’s now. Soaking in a cold ocean whether it’s be the NJ shore or the DE / MD area Always helps for a day or two. For me, that’s good..
Meant to say knees 😂.
That’s great! I can definitely see it being good on old joints.
I go to Atlantic Beach (near Morehead City, NC) every year (week of 4th) along with 25 other fam members. To be honest I hate the salt water – I go because the fam overwhelmingly loves it. So, I spend most of my time working on puzzles, or playing games with those coming back from the beach, etc. I did love going to the Dead Sea in Israel, covering myself in Dead Sea mud and floating. But, of course, that was only about once a year (I live in NC). I do find that healing – and I would buy some Dead Sea products to use before returning. My current life circumstances keep my in the States for now, however.
Growing up on and island I agree with all of this 😀
Hi Jamey,
Based upon my own personal experience, I would encourage you to have your shoulder checked out as soon as you can before anything rips. I completely tore/separated my upper bicep playing disc golf two years ago. The doctor indicated that usually there are underlying issues and took some X-rays. Sure enough, some bone-spurs in my shoulder had been slowly shredding the upper bicep tendon and the rotator cuff, and I had no idea until the bicep suddenly popped and disconnected. Alas, there were no Quack alchemist that could brew up an elixir to cure my ailment. Surgery fixed it.
The Outer banks are great! I want to get back there myself.
Thanks Jerry! I’m sorry you went through that. I’m going to the doctor next week, and it’s at the top of my list of maladies to discuss. 🙂