Because we're stuck at home all day, most of us aren't receiving the same amount of sunlight as we usually do. However, it is important to step outside once in a while (with a mask!) because sunlight is beneficial to our mental and physical health in various ways. Read to find out more!
At first, you might be thinking, "isn't exposure to UV rays bad for you?" Although that is true in some cases, those serious damages are only caused by too much exposure, and not applying SPF as needed. In fact, getting an adequate amount of sunlight is also important, with various health benefits, listed below:
Getting Essential Vitamin D
Sunlight is a natural way of getting Vitamin D, a nutrient essential to reduce inflammation and promote cell growth within your body. Vitamin D also contributes to our bone health, making our bones stronger and decreasing our chances of possibly being diagnosed with bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. This vitamin can be found in certain foods, but just eating them will not be enough to supply for your daily nutrition needs. By going outside, you are receiving great amounts of this vitamin, and it is natural and free!
Mood Booster
Being exposed to sunlight causes our brain to release hormones called serotonin. Serotonin helps boost our mood and productivity, helping us focus throughout the day. When we're in the dark, our brain releases hormones called melatonin instead, which make us feel sleepy. If we don't get an adequate amount of exposure to sunlight, the amount of serotonin in our brains decreases. The lack of this crucial hormone puts us into a higher risk to have depression triggered by seasonal patterns, meaning that we have a greater chance of becoming depressed during winter when the days are shorter and nights are longer. Therefore, by going out in the sun, we can take better care of our mental health.
Improving Sleep
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, serotonin and melatonin play hand-in-hand in adjusting our state of mind throughout the day and night. When you get proper sunlight during the day, it aids melatonin production at night, as it avoids your brain from releasing those too early in the day. Sunlight regulates this cycle of alertness and sleepiness, putting your body in a steady routine for it to function regularly.
Maintaining Heart Health
Sunlight can help you maintain healthy blood pressure as well! When your skin is exposed to sunlight, nitric oxide is released in your body's bloodstream, which helps lower blood pressure and improves your heart's health in general. Having a healthy blood pressure decreases the risk of getting cardiac diseases or strokes, making sunlight a natural and free form of treatment.
Natural Skincare
In addition to cardiac benefits, sunlight can even be used as a natural treatment for skin, helping treat acne! In addition, UV radiation is also known to be able to treat certain skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and jaundice.
As you can see, going outside and getting some fresh air and sunlight truly is important to your health. Remember to go outside for 10-15 minutes a few times a week to keep your mind and body in good shape. Just keep in mind that if you are going to be outside for more than 15 minutes, put on some sunscreen to stay safe, wear masks, and practice social distancing!
References:
Mainpath. “5 Ways the Sun Impacts Your Mental and Physical Health.” Tri-City Medical Center, 29 Dec. 2018, www.tricitymed.org/2018/08/5-ways-the-sun-impacts-your-mental-and-physical-health.
Nall, Rachel R. “What Are the Benefits of Sunlight?” Healthline, 28 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/depression/benefits-sunlight#outlook.
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