The Importance of Sunshine (And How to Enjoy Safely)
Is it just me or does life suddenly seem a lot better as soon as Spring hits and the sun starts to show its face again?
With all of the horror stories about the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays, we can sometimes lose sight of the life-giving qualities of the sun, and the profound impact that sun exposure has on good health.
As with anything, it ultimately comes down to balance. So let's dive into why getting some rays is important for good health, in addition to touching base on the cornerstones to enjoying the sun safely.
How Sunshine Supports Good Health
Vitamin D
As you probably already know, sun exposure is a crucial catalyst for the body’s production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for teeth and bone health, the immune system, and reducing inflammation. In addition, certain mental health disorders, and certain types of cancer have been linked to vitamin D deficiency. This is why it’s so important to supplement with vitamin D in winter months here in Canada. Sunlight & vitamin D have also been linked with improving autoimmune disease symptoms due to the anti-inflammatory benefits.
Sleep & Energy Levels
Our bodies are innately attuned to the sun’s rhythms, and getting outside in the sunshine improves this connection. The setting of the sun triggers the body to release melatonin, the hormone which prepares us for sleep. Additionally, bright sunlight in the morning signals it’s time for our body to stop producing melatonin and wake up. This is why getting morning sun can have such an energizing effect on the body, as dim indoor lights can confuse the signals for our bodies to become alert and energized.
Skin Healing
When enjoyed moderately, sunlight therapy has shown benefits to healing inflammatory issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Boosts Mental Health
It’s no coincidence that your mood may feel brighter when the sun is out. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several mental health disorders. Seasonal depression is a big issue for many Canadians, but the benefits of sunlight go beyond that. It has been shown that the light spectrum of sunlight, when entering the eyes, triggers the production of serotonin, which is key in regulating mental and emotional health. The circadian rhythm’s effect on melatonin production can also be beneficial in dealing with anxiety as melatonin has a calming effect in the body.
Can Help You Live Longer
Contrary to what you might think, a study in Sweden found that those who enjoyed the sunshine regularly lived on average 2 years longer than those who had less sun exposure. This is likely due to the many benefits of sunlight and vitamin D we’re highlighting today.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Sunlight lowers your body's levels of nitrogen oxide, which helps blood vessels dilate. This causes blood pressure to lower, which decreases risk for heart attack and stroke.
Enjoying the Sun Safely
With all of the amazing gifts that sun exposure has to offer us highlighted, let’s touch on how to enjoy the sunlight safely and avoid the negative effects of overexposure.
Catch the Morning or Evening Sun.
The UV rays of the sun are much stronger between 10am and 3pm, and so try to enjoy the sun in the early mornings or late afternoons to receive the benefits with less risk.
Use Natural Sunscreen.
Look for natural sunscreens with active ingredients that have low toxicity levels as sunscreens with toxic ingredients can disrupt your endocrine (hormone) system. Many natural sunscreens can be found at health food stores that use minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient as well as other oils that provide moderate SPF levels. Keep in mind that they are not invincible and to take part in other sun protection measures.
Seek Shade & Cover up.
If you have a full day planned out in the sun, plan to have an ‘escape’ where you can seek a source of shade. Bringing along a beach umbrella and wearing a few lightweight layers supports the flexibility of being able to shield your skin from the sun’s rays whenever you desire.
Enjoy the light!