If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, you know how important the ocean is. There’s something about the sand, the salt water, and the warm sun that gives you a feeling you don’t get anywhere else. Growing up, I could leave my driveway and get to the beach in about 14 minutes as long as I didn’t hit traffic and all the lights were green. A decent portion of my childhood memories include boogie boards and sunscreen, my favorite food has fins, and I love the fact that my car constantly has beach sand in the carpet. Being from the coast isn’t just a good time, it’s a way of life.

And then, when I went to college, I did the craziest thing someone from the beach can do—I moved away. For the past eight months, I’ve been landlocked, over 100 miles from the nearest beach. I figured the change wouldn’t be that difficult for me, since I would be at school for the fall, winter, and spring, but would have all summer to bum it up at the beach. Boy, was I wrong.

I never thought about how much time I spent at the beach, even when it’s freezing cold in the middle of January. As soon as I was able to drive, I would head straight for the coast on a whim. Stressed? Go sit on the beach. Bored? Grab some friends and get to the beach. Hungry? You’re not going to find better food than near the water. No matter what time of year it is, the beach was the solution to pretty much any problem you had. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven that the beach helps to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Saltwater enhances your immune system, boosts circulation, relaxes your muscles, and hydrates your skin. Salt air can relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and sinus pressure. The sun at the beach gives your body its daily dose of vitamin D, which releases endorphins into the body. Studies show that people who live by the beach are oftentimes more physically active than those who live inland. And as far as your mental and emotional health, it’s been proven that the ocean inspires creativity and compassion, as well as significantly reduces anxiety.

Being near the ocean is like nothing else. I miss it like crazy while I’m at school and can’t wait to get back to it this summer. I’m trying not to rush the rest of this semester, but I have to admit I’m counting down the days until I can strap my paddle board to the top of my Jeep and cruise with my windows down and the radio blaring all the way to the beach with some of my favorite people. Being away is a lot harder than I ever imagined it was going to be and has definitely made me consider how important proximity to the coast is when I decide to settle down.

Maybe it’s the sound of the waves crashing. Maybe it’s the feeling of the warm sand between my toes. Maybe it’s the smell of the fresh salt air. Maybe it’s the sensation of the hot sun against my tanned skin. Maybe it’s all of those things put together, and then some. Either way, I know for a fact that I need the ocean.