So,here’s the thing: just like Memorial Day doesn’t mean that it is officially summertime (the summer season actually begins during the third week of June), Labor Day does not officially mark the end of it either (summer ends around the third week of September). This means that if this summer season has somehow gotten away from you, you’ve still got a few weeks to take a bit of a vacation — even if it’s a quick one.
And if what you plan to do is hit up a beach so that you can spend some time in the ocean, that can actually be rejuvenating on a few different levels. Not only has it been proven thatbeing around ocean water will de-stress you as it helps you to practice mindfulness, but some impressive health benefits come with drinking saltwater (not directly from the ocean, of course) and being in saltwater (because many oceans havea good amount of dissolved salts in them) as well.
So, as you’re in the process of confirming your reservations and packing your swimsuits, check out seven reasons that will have you wondering why you took so long to make some of your own saltwater (to consume) and get into somebody’s ocean (to rejuvenate in) before October rolls around.
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1. Saltwater Replenishes Electrolytes
The easiest way to describe electrolytes is that they are the minerals (likecalcium, sodium, and potassium) thatyour body needs tokeep you properly hydrated, your nerves and muscles working well and your pH levels regulated. Keeping that in mind, some signs that your electrolyte levels are a little “off” are if you’re constantly feeling fatigued, your muscles are always cramping up (like a charley horse) or you have inexplicable headaches; it should also go on record that something that can cause you to lose electrolytes is if you happen to sweat a lot.
Although foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy green veggies can help you replenish your system of lost electrolytes,adding a bit of salt to your water can do the same thing. I’ve got some tips for how to make some of your own saltwaterhere. Also, if you want to attempt to turn ocean water into drinkable water, you can learn how to do sohere. Oh, and if you’re wondering if sea salt or table salt is better for you in the long run, it’s a semi-complex answer; you can read more about the pros and cons of bothhere.
2. Saltwater Aids in Weight Loss
If you’re looking for a way to detox your system, you might want to look into the pros and cons of a saltwater flush. Since it has a reputation for doing things like helping to balance your hormones, keeping your metabolism working well, and removing fluid retention, that’s why it can also be used to help shed a few pounds (some say that it can help with constipation, too). Just make sure that you do thorough research before using saltwater in this fashion because, while many recipes call for two teaspoons in a quarter of water, that is actually double what’s recommended on a daily basis. This means that if you do this often, it could result in unwanted side effects like nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure.
3. Saltwater Exfoliates Your Scalp
As far as ocean water goes, if you’re not planning on rocking a swim cap, you should definitely soak your hair in water from a shower before taking a swim.The reason why is the properties in saltwater can end up dehydrating your hair and, if your tresses are color-treated, stripping your hair of its applied hues as well. However, if you’re looking foranother saltwater trick, applying a mixture of sea salt and water to your scalp before washing your hair can be beneficial if you’re looking for an all-natural way to exfoliate your scalp — which can remove dead skin cells and product build-up — so that your hair follicles are able to flourish and you can end up with a head of strong and healthy hair. There is a quick and easy sea salt scalp scrub recipehere.
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4. Saltwater Is Great for Oral Health
Maintaining proper oral health is so important and doing periodic saltwater rinses is one way to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. That’s because saltwater has been proven to do things like remove the bacteria that ultimately leads to tooth decay, help restore the pH balance in your mouth, get rid of plaque, and speed up the healing process of various oral procedures (like extractions). Just make sure that you use warm water and no more than a teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass to get the most effective results.
5. Saltwater Detoxifies the Skin
Since it’s been said that ocean water has trace minerals in it, that’s part of the reason why swimming in it can be great when it comes to helping to heal skin irritation and itchiness, inflammation, soothing eczema, exfoliating your skin, reducing acne-causing bacteria, unclogging your pores and even increasing blood circulation in your skin. Some skincare specialists even say that saltwater can loosen up dandruff flakes; again, just make sure that your hair has been prepped with water and, if you plan to be in ocean water for a long period of time, you may want to apply a leave-in conditioner to your locks too.
6. Saltwater Improves Your Breathing
When you get a chance, check out the article, “With Every Breath You Take, Thank the Ocean.” Apparently, over half of our oxygen comes from things in the ocean, like phytoplankton and seaweed. Not only that, but since you probably already know that saline can serve as a natural decongestant and saline is basically saltwater, it would make all of the sense in the world that taking in the air from ocean water would be good for your respiratory system too. I’ve even read that the salt, iodine, and magnesium that are found in the air that’s around the ocean can help to break up mucus that’s in your system. Plus, ocean air has very little air pollution in it which is always a major plus.
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7. Saltwater Improves Your Quality of Rest/Sleep
If you’ve ever taken a vacation, got a hotel room that was right off of the beach, and realized that you have super fond memories of it being some of the best rest and sleep that you’ve ever experienced in your life — there is definitely a science to that. There is plenty of research out here to support the fact that chilling out around the ocean (or sea) can help to decrease anxiety and depression levels, increase your serotonin levels and, if you’ve got arthritis, a dip in the ocean before turning in can help to reduce bodily inflammation as well.
As a bonus, grounding (which is basically when you walk on the beach by the water) can help your bare feet absorb electrons from the earth and the water which also can help to reduce bodily discomfort. Just one more reason to get a beach weekend in before summer officially ends — and to pack up some salt (to consume) while you’re at it. Don’t cha think? Definitely.
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"For example, if you’ve fundamentally changed what your product is and does, it’s likely that your brand is out of alignment with the business. Or, if you find your company is developing a reputation that doesn’t serve it, it might be time to pump the brakes and figure out what needs to change.
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The Brand Doula was born in 2019, and its focus is on putting "the experiences, goals, and needs of women of color founders first," as well as brands with "culture-shifting missions."
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"At The Brand Doula, we work with companies and leaders that set out to challenge the status quo in their industries and communities. They’re here to make an impact that sends ripples across the market," she says.
"We help the problem solvers of the world — the ones who aren't satisfied with 'this is how it's always been' and instead ask 'how could this be better?' Our clients build for impact, reimagining tools, systems, and ways of living to move cultures forward."
The Brand Doula has worked with many brands, including Too Collective, to assist with their collaboration with Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty and Balanced Black Girl for a "refresh," aka rebrand. For businesses looking to rebrand, Lola shares four essential steps.
1. Do an audit of your current brand experience — what’s still relevant and what needs to change? Reflect on why you’re doing the rebrand in the first place and what success would look like after relaunching.
2. Tackle the overall strategy first — before you start redesigning logos and websites, align on a new vision for your brand. How do you want your company to be positioned moving forward? Has your audience changed at all? Will your company have a fresh personality and voice?
3. Bring your audience along the journey — there’s no need to move in secret. Inviting your current audience into the journey can actually help them feel more connected to and invested in your story, enough to stick around as changes are being made.
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While determining whether the rebrand was successful may take a few months, Lola says a clear sign that it is unsuccessful is negative feedback from your target audience. "Customers are typically more vocal about what they don’t like more than what they do like," she says.
But some good signs to look out for are improvements in engagement with your marketing, positive reviews, press and increase in retention, and overall feeling aligned with the new branding.
For more information about Lola and The Brand Doula, visit her website, thebranddoula.com.
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