Feel the sea breeze blowing on your face. Feel the salt tickling your nose as you hear the sound of seagulls flocking in the distance…

Yup, vacations are awesome. But they can also be purposeful and good for the soul. We earn our days off and work hard all year long so travel should be a sacred experience. A beach vacation in particular has its own healing powers and a special way of renewing our perspectives. Here are some reasons why you should plan your next vacation to the beach.

1. MENTAL WELL-BEING

Contemplating by the water feeds the soul. The expansive view of the ocean water, often referred to as “blue space” by psychologists, actually calms our mind. If you’ve ever sat staring at an ocean and found that your problems seem to melt away as a sense of peace overcomes you, you’re not alone. We are biologically hardwired to experience the beach.

2. FRESH AIR

Most of us work in an office setting with fluorescent lighting. At least half of us never make it away from our desk at lunch. Do the scary math in your head. That’s a whole-lotta time without fresh air. If this is your story, you need that salty-sweet smell, cool breeze and sunlight that a beach vacation can fulfill.

3. BEACH TOWNS & ISLAND PEOPLE

If you’re lucky enough to have visited a beach town, you know what I’m talking about. Everyone is in shorts, tank tops, puka shells and straw hats enjoying their own beach vacation. A smile and a beer are pretty much a requirement, and there’s always live music and delicious food. Our responsibilities, even the ones we love, can easily complicate our lives. Relax! Life is simple. Let the islanders remind you.

4. EXPLORING THE OCEAN

Snorkeling, surfing, jet skiing. I could just end this point right there, but I’ll go on. Our ocean is a vast playground of awesome beach activities. Whether you’re on a romantic Caribbean Cruise with your significant other or a family vacation on land, everyone loves water adventures. There is so much more to the ocean than tanning, reading and taking catnaps (although I’d argue those are just as compelling reasons to go).

5. REST & RENEWAL

While most people say the beach drains you, I’d argue that it actually gives you the gift of total relaxation. After coming home and taking a shower, I am practically asleep before my head hits the pillow. Yum. This true sense of relaxation brings us all back to our lives with a renewed sense of purpose and a de-cluttered mind.