Let the Ocean & Sun Absorb Your Stress

It’s a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. Mourning Doves are singing, a cool breeze blows through your hair and the sound of your obnoxious neighbor’s dog is barking in the background. Wait… You’re neighbor’s dog?! It’s time to get away and plan the perfect beach day! Let me tell you how I enjoy the beach because clearly, I’m not writing this article at my computer, inside, on the weekend… Enjoy!

The Beach Essentials: What To Bring

Beach days are moments that create lasting memories with our friends and loved ones. Depending on the length of your beach trip, I encourage you to bring a friend or family member while you soak up some rays. Going alone is relaxing, but let’s admit it, going to the beach happens less often than we’d like so you might as well share this fun trip with a buddy.

First, we’re going to review essentials everyone should bring and then introduce specific items depending on the type of “beach goer”.

The Beach Must Haves

Sunscreen: Is getting tan fun? Absolutely. Is turning into a lobster who’s every step is filled with pain and crippling burning fun? No, wear sunscreen 🙂 .

Beach Chair: You know what’s more painful than sunburn? Looking through your car and realizing you forgot a beach chair. Now you’re stuck convincing yourself that sitting on your towel is just as comfortable as a chair, and it never is.

Water: Even if you plan to sit on the beach, the sun will dehydrate your body. Bring more water than you think you need. It’s not like the ocean is drinkable.

Flipflops/Shoes: The sand gets hot, and boy does it hurt when you’re stuck walking on it. Bring a pair of flipflops for the walk to and from the car.

What to Bring: Types of Beach Goers

Hyperactive Beach Goer

When going to the beach, the idea of sitting down and relaxing doesn’t really process for you. The whole “doing nothing” thing isn’t your cup of tea. If this is you (or a loved one), here are some fun items to bring to stay busy:

• Spike Ball (hopefully you have friends)

• Running Shoes

• Surfboard, boogie board, skim board

• Frisbee (need friends again)

• Shovel (I’m serious this is a magic tool for active people at the beach)

The Book Reader

Reading on the beach is a calming way to learn or drift off into a fictional world. For bookworms remember these items:

• Book(s)

• Umbrella/sunglasses to help squinting

• Earbuds/earplugs

The Sun Goddess/God

Remember; tan=good, lobster in pain = bad. Bring these:

• Large towel. Sandclouds are a great choice.

  • Towels (sandcloud.com)

• Hats/sunglasses to protect your face/eyes

• A timer

• Music/headphones

• Sunscreen, again.

The Collector

For the shell and shark teeth collectors. Don’t let those beach tourist take over your sand field of treasures.

• Small Shovel/sand scoop

• Mesh bag or colander

• Small bag

• Water shoes

Useful Beach “Hacks”/ Products

Digging a Beach Umbrella Hole in 10 Seconds

Beach umbrellas need a hole to remain anchored to. Usually this process comes from a painstaking 5 minutes of using a weak plastic auger that came with the umbrella. Save yourself some time and buy a drill bit to make this digging process last an entire 10 seconds. Here’s the bit: K-Brands Auger Drill Bit for Planting – 2 x 32 Inch - No Squat Garden Spiral Hole Drill Planter for Bulb Planting, Bedding Plants, Umbrella Holes - 3/8 Inch Hex Drive Drill - Amazon.com

Beach Wagon for Easy Transport

Nothing is worse than having to lug around bags, chairs, and coolers on the walk back from a long beach day. This beach wagon rolls easily on the sand and makes the hike back to the car less painstaking: Quest Beach Wagon with Sand Wheels | Dick's Sporting Goods (dickssportinggoods.com)

Sand Cup Holders

These handy holders are great for keeping your small items or drinks away from the sand while still being in arms reach. Cheap and easy: Amazon.com: Beach Vacation Essentials Accessories - Beach Drink Cup Holder Sand Coasters, Beach Trip Must Haves Sand Cup Holders for Women Adults Family Friends(Multicolor, 7 Pack) : Home & Kitchen

Mini Foldable Shovel

Great for digging holes, staying busy, and keep the umbrella from flying away. I use this item personally and it’s come in handy: Amazon.com : iunio Folding Survival Shovel, Camping Shovel w/Pick, Military Style Entrenching Tool, Multitool, Foldable Collapsible Spade, for Camping, Backpacking, Gardening, Snow, Trenching, Hiking,Car Emergency : Sports & Outdoors

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