Are you stressed and just want to unwind for a while? Well, maybe a trip to the beach is what you need.

We all know that everything involving water plays an essential role in our lives. You may have not noticed yet, but beaches are one of these essentials and you should visit them more often.

It is often said that life is better by the beach but as it turns out, there may actually be something to that claim. There are many other reasons why families need to go to the beach – from building fond memories to the many health benefits that you probably aren't aware of.

Reasons, why you should go to the beach, are not limited to fun and relaxation. Besides being a great place to enjoy yourself, a trip to the beach can have amazing health benefits.

Here are 5 reasons why going to the beach is good for you and can actually help you live a healthier life.

More than just a perfect tan, the sun is a good source of Vitamin D. According to the Harvard Medical School, just 10-15 minutes of sun exposure especially in the morning will provide you with your daily recommended dose of vitamin D.Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, skin and even enhances your immune system. It is also known to boost the production of serotonin, a chemical that works to keep us alert and upbeat.

Be careful not to expose yourself too much, though. Sun damage can also lead to skin cancer so wear sunscreen and don't stay too long under the sun especially between 10 am – 2 pm.

How much money have you spent on exfoliants for your feet and body in an effort to make your skin softer and younger-looking? The sand acts as a natural exfoliator. It helps peels off dead skin cells from your feet and anywhere else to reveal a wonderful glow. If you go to the beach, it's like going to an all-natural spa day!

Beach holidays can help advance brain development. How? The brain's limbic area, which consists of the play and seeking systems, is not utilized at home. But when outdoors, just burying your child's feet on the sand activates the play system. And when a child is exposed to different scenery, the brain goes seeking and exploring mode. These things improve the cognitive, motor, and social skills of a child. They enhance creativity and feed the imagination.

The iodine in ocean water is a wonderful immune system booster. It's a natural antiseptic and even helps boost the function of your thyroid gland. You'll notice a painful sting when an open cut is exposed to saltwater, and that's a sign that your wound is being cleansed.

The calming effects of the waves and sun combined are enough to make a person leave their stress behind. The heat of the sun, the sound of the waves, and your feet in the sand can help to fight off any feelings of anxiety and stress.

Take a vacation or die. Okay, this might sound a little morbid but the importance of going to the beach goes beyond making you feel better. It also makes you live longer.A life-changing study of 12,000 men over nine years published in the New York Times showed that those who didn't take a holiday at least once a year are 32% more likely to die of a heart attack. So take a vacation for your health's sake.

So what are you waiting for? The beach has more benefits than you can imagine. Do not deprive yourself of all the good things life can offer.

A weekend at the beach improves health, general well-being, relaxes mind and body, and most importantly, it makes you happier. (FCSC)