The sun is life. It is life to this planet, and it is life to all of us. We have come to fear the sun in some ways for its ability to cause skin cancer and wrinkles, but it is necessary not only for physical health but our mental health too. Being deprived of sunlight can definitely cause more harm than good.
Most of us know that sunlight is responsible for how much vitamin D our bodies are capable of producing. When sunlight hits our skin, vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, becomes active. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sun on the arms and face a few times a week is enough to activate as much vitamin D as you need.
Action – Because of the threat of skin cancer and premature aging, we have shunned the sun in recent years. While it’s good to be careful not to overexpose yourself, complete avoidance of sunlight is not necessary. If you are going to be in the sun for longer than 15 minutes, apply a sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF.
Morning sun is the best. The rays are capable of activating the vitamin D in your body without being too intense. Getting sun on your face is important too, but don’t look directly at it. While the eyes benefit from indirect sunlight, they do not appreciate being fried.
Steps – If you live north of the middle of the US, from the months of October to April it is unlikely that the sun’s rays have enough energy to activate vitamin D. For that reason, supplementation is recommended in the winter months. Routine blood tests can check vitamin D levels and make sure that you are getting enough.
Allow enough of your skin to be exposed to enhance the amount of sunlight you absorb. Don’t overdo it, as that can negate any good you are doing, but definitely don’t avoid the sun completely. Unfortunately, if you suffer from a sun allergy, you will need to take extra precautions including wearing protective clothing and using at least a 30 SPF sunscreen when outside. Sometimes there are triggers that can cause a sun allergy, like certain medications, but if you must avoid the sun then it is recommended to supplement with vitamin D all year.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – Sunlight is important for mental health and is associated with the release of serotonin, or the feel-good hormone, and melatonin, which is responsible for making you sleep. People can suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, during the winter months when the sun is less intense and the days are shorter.
Various studies have shown that sunlight can have benefits not only for the mood, but for the body. Of course vitamin D is important for our bones, but sunlight may also help with high blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, improving certain skin conditions like acne or psoriasis, helping with weight loss, and with reducing the pain of arthritis. More research is needed in some areas, but it is generally agreed that exposure to the sun can be therapeutic and is necessary for our health and well-being.
Example – Going for a walk in the early morning for 20 to 30 minutes a few times a week in the sunshine is sufficient for the body to produce all of the vitamin D that it needs. Ensure that enough of your skin is able to feel the sun and allow it to do what it is supposed to do.
Without the sun, life would cease as we know it. Treat it with respect and appreciate how it helps you function at your best.