Do you ever feel like you are just too busy and stressed to do things that are good for you? Activities like exercise, diet, and spending time relaxing? 

Do you also find that the more stressed you are, the less likely you are to do them? Of course, you know you’re not alone. I’ve been struggling with these tendencies for the entire time I’ve been a business owner. Which is more than 30 years now. 

So, here’s a question for you:  If you decided to make time for a favorite leisure activity, what would it be? For me, it’s walking on the beach. 

Walking is just about the simplest form of exercise. Taking a walk has numerous health benefits, and a beach walk does this in more ways than one. First, the sand adds more resistance, to help build your muscles. Second, the soft sand is ideal for you to take part in what is known as grounding or earthing. Grounding allows the earth to transfer electrons from its surface directly into our bodies, which can lead to pain relief and better sleep. When we step onto that warm, fine sand and let it seep through the gaps in our toes, we connect ourselves to nature in a more physical way. 

Why the beach is literally full of good vibes. Perhaps you’ve heard that the beach is a major source of negative ions.  What are negative ions, you ask? In simple terms, they are atoms containing extra electrons that researchers believe boost serotonin levels in our brains. The constant tumbling of the waves breaks the atoms apart and produces an abundance of negative ions, creating a positive aspect to one’s beach-going experience. Negative ions can also be found at the foot of waterfalls, in the mountains, and even in the sun. So, on a sunny day at the beach, you are bound to feel the uplifting effects negative ions provide.  

An oasis of relaxation and inspiration. I’ve been walking on the beach in San Clemente for over 30 years. At first, it was to stretch my legs, breathe a little deeper, and relax. But I soon found that by getting out of the office into nature, it changed the way I thought about my work. Some of the best ideas I’ve ever had came to me while walking near the water. 

How about you head to your happy place — wherever that happens to be? You might get an insight or get unstuck from a stubborn business problem.