We’ve all heard the saying “a little bit of sunshine can go a long way.” But did you know that there is actually scientific evidence to support this claim? Sunshine can have a plethora of positive effects on your energy, health and wellbeing—and today, we’re going to explore just a few of them.
The sun is a powerful source of energy, and its rays can have a positive effect on your health and wellbeing. When you expose yourself to sunshine, your body produces vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Sunshine also helps to regulate your mood, so if you’re feeling down, spending time in the sun can help to lift your spirits. Here are some other ways that sunshine can benefit your health and wellbeing.
Sunshine Increases Vitamin D Levels: Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods we eat. This, in turn, helps keep our bones healthy and strong. Vitamin D can also boost our immune system and help fight off infection. Unfortunately, many people are deficient in vitamin D—but one of the best ways to increase your levels is by spending time in the sun. Just 20 minutes of exposure each day can do wonders for your health!
Reduces stress hormone levels: When you’re stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol. Cortisol has been linked to weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Exposure to sunlight helps to reduce cortisol levels in the body, which can help to alleviate some of the negative effects of stress.
Sunshine Improves Mood and Energy Levels: Have you ever noticed that you tend to feel happier and more energetic when the sun is shining? That’s because sunshine boosts your levels of serotonin, which is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood. So next time you’re feeling down, try heading outside for a quick walk or simply sit in the sun for a few minutes and see if it makes a difference in how you’re feeling. Chances are, it will!
Improves sleep quality: The human body has an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to sunlight during the day helps to keep our circadian rhythm on track, which leads to improved sleep at night.
Sunshine Helps Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight. Symptoms of SAD can include fatigue, low energy levels, trouble concentrating and irritability. If you find yourself feeling down during the winter months, spending some extra time in the sun can help improve your mood and give you the boost of energy you need to get through the day.
Lower blood pressure: High blood pressure puts strain on the heart and arteries and can lead to heart disease and stroke. According to one study, exposure to natural sunlight helped to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Sunshine is more than just a source of warmth; it’s also a source of power and positive energy. Next time you’re feeling low, step outside into the sun for a few minutes and soak up its rays. You may just find that it makes all the difference.