As a psychotherapist practicing in Hermosa Beach and an avid supporter of self-care, I'm constantly in awe of the restorative powers of our beautiful natural surroundings. As we head into the summer months, I want to remind my fellow community members of the incredible self-care opportunities right at our fingertips.

You know what constantly reminds me of how lucky we are to live in Hermosa Beach? The incredible impact our environment can have on our mental wellbeing. Our beautiful beach town gives us so many opportunities for affordable, accessible self-care that can improve our overall health and happiness.

In today's crazy, non-stop world, making time for self-care is more important than ever. The constant stress and overwhelming demands can take a toll on our mental and physical health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and even physical problems. But here's the thing - by building simple, mindful practices into our daily routines, we can counteract all those negative effects and cultivate a much greater sense of calm and resilience.

The neurobiology behind self-care is actually kind of fascinating. When we engage in relaxing, mindful activities, our brain releases all these feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. Not only do these neurotransmitters improve our mood, but they also help regulate stress, reduce inflammation, and even give our immune system a nice little boost!

That's why I'm so grateful that Hermosa Beach offers an abundance of natural, outdoor spaces perfect for self-care rituals. One of my go-to recommendations is to take a stroll or a jog along The Strand - our iconic beachfront pathway. There's something so uplifting about inhaling that fresh ocean air, the sound of ocean waves and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. It provides such a needed break from the daily grind.

For those seeking a more meditative experience, consider joining one of the many free outdoor yoga classes offered right on the soft, golden sands of our beautiful beaches. The Beach Cities Health District (www.bchd.org) also offers free community yoga classes on Valencia Street near Valley Park. Check out the fitness calendar for more information.

But even if you can't spare an hour for a full yoga session, just taking a few moments to pause and do some deep breathing can work wonders. Find a quiet spot along the palm tree-lined Hermosa Beach Pier or at the scenic Hermosa Valley Greenbelt and simply focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your lungs. This simple act can activate the body's relaxation response, lowering blood pressure and heart rate while calming the mind.

The beautiful thing about self-care is that it doesn't have to be this huge time-consuming or expensive thing. Even just small, consistent practices can have such a profound impact on our mental health and overall quality of life. Whether it's a 5-minute meditation while basking in that warm Hermosa sunshine or a leisurely evening stroll along the shoreline as the sun sets over the Pacific, these simple acts of self-nurturing provide such a needed reprieve from life's stresses.

Hermosa Beach residents, let’s embrace the natural beauty and serenity that surrounds us here. Build self-care practices into your routine, even if it's just for a few moments each day. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for that opportunity to recharge and find some balance amidst the busy-ness of your life.