Sunshine is a very important part of everyday life and many people don’t get enough of it. No matter what the weather is like, getting outside for at least 30 minutes a day can provide many health benefits.
One of the obvious health benefits provided by the sun is vitamin D. When someone has a vitamin D deficiency they tend to feel many symptoms including: muscle weakness, fatigue, difficulty thinking clearly and softened bones. Getting outside and in the sun everyday is a great natural way to cure your deficiency and begin felling better quickly.
Another problem that happens when we stay inside is Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a believed to be seasonal depression from lack of sunlight during the cold winter months. Due to the weather, it can be very hard to get out of the house but even just taking a short walk around the block can greatly reduce depressive symptoms during the winter. Another great way to treat SAD is with a light box – this is a special type of light that is used for 30 minutes every morning. A light box helps boost your mood and give you the energy you need to get outside everyday.
The sun is known to boost serotonin levels in our bodies. Serotonin, which is also called the “happy chemical”, is what wakes us up in the morning and gives us the energy to get through the day. Going for a walk in the morning can help release enough serotonin to get you through the whole day which is another reason why the sun is so important. No matter what you decide to do with your time outside, just don’t forget the sunscreen!