A favorite warm weather pastime is lounging by the beach, and rightfully so: its fun, the view is beautiful, and you feel like you can relax a bit. But a day by the shore is more than just a good time; there are also surprising health benefits to going to the beach.

This isn’t just anecdotal, either. Research has consistently found that many aspects of being at the beach is soothing and can help ease depression. People who live by the water report better physical and mental health than those who don’t. Another study found that people who live in homes with ocean views feel calmer than those who don’t.

Here are all of the ways the beach can improve your mental health:

YOU GET THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D

A good dose of vitamin D is necessary for everyone, and the natural way to get it is from sunlight. Spend some time at the beach during the day, and you’re bound to soak up some vitamin D. There are lots of health benefits that come from this nutrient: it may help boost your immune system, and it’s important for the growth and development of bones and teeth. Vitamin D can also help fight certain diseases and aids in weight loss. But don’t forget to apply some SPF.

THE SEA WATER CAN REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS.

Spending some time in the ocean water may help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. One study found that patients who used bath salt from Dead Sea minerals experienced fewer symptoms, such as reduced morning stiffness. This is because salt water dehydrates inflamed cells in the body, which in turn reduces inflammation. Salt can be absorbed into the skin as you soak in the water, reducing swelling and pain.

IT INCREASES CREATIVITY.

Feeling uninspired lately? Try heading to the beach. A 2011 study found that not only can the beach help you feel happier, but it can also increase creativity. Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols wrote about this in his book Blue Mind, explaining that being near the water not only calms us, but it also increases innovation and insight. It allows us to feel more open to new ideas and to our more creative side, which explains why many find the beach to be inspiring. Sounds like a perfect escape for an artist.

IT MAY REDUCE PAIN.

Being at the beach usually means ditching your shoes and walking around barefoot. This gives you the perfect chance to try grounding (or earthen), which is walking barefoot in nature and absorbing energy from the Earth. While this is an under-researched topic science-wise, grounding is said to help improve chronic pain and reduce fatigue. Grounding is about connecting to the energy of the Earth to let that energy flow through you. The idea is that being barefoot on the ground allows you to connect with Earth’s surface electrons that transfer energy from the ground to your body. Some research supports the idea that these electrons can cause changes in your body, like reduced pain and better sleep.

WALKING ON SAND IS A GREAT WORKOUT.

The beach is a great place for a workout, because you barely have to try to get one in. Research shows that walking on the beach is a better workout than walking on concrete since you have to work harder to move through the sand, even if you’re moving at the same speed. Walking on the sand also requires more energy than walking on a hard surface, even at the same speed. Take a long beach walk for a feel-good workout.

THE SMELL OF THE AIR IS SOOTHING.

For many, the smell of ocean air is synonymous with long, peaceful summer days. That scent is undoubtedly great, but it’s not just pleasant – it can literally relax you. According to research, the smell of the ocean has a soothing effect on our brains because you’re breathing in negative ions, which can be calming. Negative ions speed up your ability to absorb oxygen and can help balance your serotonin levels, which leaves you more relaxed and happy. Studies have found that negative ion therapy (like the ions found in ocean breezes) can be used t0 treat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and can ease depression.

THE BEACH HELPS YOU SLEEP BETTER.

Since the beach is known to be soothing and calming, it just makes sense that it would help you sleep better. A 2015 study from the United Kingdom also found that people sleep on average 47 minutes longer the night after they spend time at the beach than those who weren’t at the beach. Although scientists aren’t sure exactly why people seem to sleep better after a day at the beach, they believe it has something to do with how relaxing the beach can be. It may allow people to calm down enough to let go of their stress and get a good night’s rest.

SUNLIGHT REDUCES DEPRESSION.

Spending time in the sunlight isn’t just a good dose of vitamin D: it can actually help reduce depression. Exposure to sunlight is believed to boost the brain’s release of serotonin, which can help improve your mood and make you feel calmer and focused. When you need a mood boost, head down to the shore.

So, the next time you’ve had a particularly stressful week at work, have completed a strenuous year of schooling, or are just feeling less than fantastic on a certain day, take some time off and hit the beach – it’s the doctor’s orders!