When you’re stressed and overwhelmed, you need to take a break. You need to step away from your current scenario to regroup, replenish, refresh. If you’re fortunate enough to live within two or three hours of any coast, you are in definite luck. You see, there’s no more refreshing thing we can do this side of heaven that is as invigorating or motivating as taking in ocean air. In fact, even as I write this, I can look out my window and see the waves crashing onto the sandy beach. Here are a few reasons why sitting by the ocean for a few hours every once in a while is good for what ails you.

1. You see and sense that there is something greater, something bigger out there. You may not be able to pinpoint it, but when you stare at the quadrillions of gallons of ocean water within your view, you know that you are part of something fantastic and wonderful.
2. The air is good for your physical well-being. You take a deep breath and it’s so refreshingly spin-tingling. With the wind blowing your hair, you feel free and uninhibited.
3. With absolutely nothing in front of you but sky and water, you get a chance to think and to meditate on the most important things in life. Maybe you’ll solve some of those nagging issues; perhaps you won’t, but you will get a totally different and renewed perspective.
4. It is certainly time well-spent. Spending time staring out into the ocean is akin to recharging your batteries. Something magical and wonderful happens when you just take some time to truly veg. You don’t understand it, but you can certainly appreciate the newness of the moment when you just wonder.
5. You can sense the power and transcendency of the Almighty. Your self-importance in the world pales when compared to the majesty of the Almighty, the very One who created everything you are seeing and feeling and sensing. Your spirit is renewed for another few months!

No matter the season, taking some time every few months to just gaze upon the ocean, the grains of sand, and the vastness of the heavens is a far better way to spend time than to hope that you’ll be renewed by sitting in front of the television. Even the comparison is unfair.

For those not close to oceans, certainly there are large lakes or rivers nearby. While oceans and seas are ideal for renewing your spirit, lakes and rivers will also be refreshing.