There’s just something about the ocean. The view, the rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore. However, this serene setting offers far more than just a picturesque backdrop: if you look into the science, it reveals profound mental and physical health benefits to coastal living. In Westport, Washington, you don’t have to live here to experience those benefits. Just come for a paddle, a walk, or a breath of sea air. Let’s dive into what the ocean offers and how you can soak it up right here in Westport.

1. Blue Mind: A Calming, Restorative State

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols popularized the concept of the “blue mind,” referring to the meditative, restful state achieved by being near water. Just two minutes of viewing water, on the coast, through a window, or even art can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to lower heart rate and blood pressure.

** In Westport:**

Take a morning stroll along Westport Light State Park’s beaches or boardwalk. Just listening to waves and breathing in that salt air gives your nervous system a break from digital overload and welcomes a calm mental reset.

2. Improved Mental Health, Mood, and Cognitive Function

Studies show that living within a few miles of the coast can lead to longer life expectancy compared to living inland. For mental health, people living less than 1 mile from the ocean are 22% less likely to experience symptoms of poor mental health than those 50 miles or more away. Additionally, regular beach time can reduce pain, boost mood, support cognitive function, and even improve sleep.

** In Westport:**

Grab your family or friends and go tide-pooling or coastal exploring around Westport. It’s not just loads of fun; it stimulates your brain, eases stress, enhances memory, and even helps regulate sleep patterns.

Check out the rocky shoreline at Westhaven Beach, where you’ll find sea stars, sand dollars, anemones, barnacles and more during low tide.

3. Physical Fitness and Low-Impact Movement

The ocean invites movement and encourages active lifestyles by offering opportunities for activities like walking, jogging, swimming, surfing, kayaking, and more. Stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP), for instance, is a full-body, low-impact workout that improves balance, coordination, strength, and cardiovascular endurance—all while being relaxing.

Additionally, breathing in the salty sea air, which has minerals like iodine, salt, and magnesium, can benefit respiratory health, potentially reducing the symptoms of asthma and allergies, clearing sinuses, and stimulating the immune system.

** In Westport:**

Westport Marina or Half Moon Bay areas offer calm waters ideal for SUP, especially for beginners. If you’re feeling adventurous or more skilled, head over to Westhaven Beach at Westport Light State Park for a surf-SUP hybrid and surf safely if you’re experienced.

4. The Restorative Power of Blue Spaces

Beyond physical activity, proximity to water contributes to emotional restoration, stress relief, and social connectedness. The “blue space” concept explains three pathways to health:

Restoration: natural environments reduce negative feelings and restore focus.
Inspiration: they promote physical activity and social connection.
Mitigation: they filter out pollutants like noise.

Spending time near blue spaces supports mental wellness, social bonding, and even recovery from addiction or trauma.

** In Westport:**

Organize a small group paddle adventure, surf lesson or fishing outing with friends or family. Shared ocean experiences naturally draw people together, and are perfect for reducing reliance on screens or distractions.

5. Sea Air as Natural Antidepressants

Ocean-based activities are often used in therapeutic contexts. In fact, even passive exposure—just being near the ocean—can deliver benefits. Vogue recently highlighted how wave sounds, sun, sea minerals, and even cold-water immersion can reduce cortisol, enhance mood, support the immune system, and even dramatically boost dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation and pleasure.

** In Westport:**

Westport’s beaches are a playground. Spending time on the sand or in the water can act as a natural mood enhancer. You can even use your time at the beach to practice mindfulness, or openly paying attention to the present moment.

6. Engage the Senses and Find Mindfulness

Almost all blue mind benefits stem from sensory immersion. The sound of waves, feel of salt air, sight of endless water, and touch of sand all compound to calm and focus the mind. Studies show these sensory inputs engage involuntary attention, prompting mindfulness and lowering stress.

** In Westport:**

Combine your mindfulness practice with a stroll down Westhaven Drive with a view of the marina. You can pop into one of many shops and find treasures to take home to remind you of your time in Westport!

A Sample Westport Well-Being Day

Here’s how you might weave these benefits into a rejuvenating Westport day:

Dawn on the Beach (Restorative Sunrise) Ease into the day with a sunrise boardwalk walk at Westport Light State Park. Let the sounds of waves and sea air calm your system.
Mid-Morning SUP Head to the Marina or Half Moon Bay for a gentle paddle, which activates muscles, improves mood, and promotes mindfulness.
Coastal Play: Tide Pooling and Social Time Explore tidal zones with friends or family. It’s playful, cognitive, socially bonding, and naturally stress-relieving.
Afternoon Surf or Ocean Time For those who surf or want to try, Westport’s surf breaks can be exhilarating; combining fitness and therapeutic blue space immersion.
Evening Wind-Down Close your day with a quiet walk on the beach or sit by the lighthouse at sunset. Let that blue mind soak in and transition you into restful evening hours.

Are you ready for your restorative adventure in Westport?

Visit our accommodations page to find a place to relax at the end of the day.