People living in many parts of the US and the world are experiencing the 'dog days of August' right now, and probably appreciate air conditioning or the relief found under a shady tree. And we all can likely say we have heard all sorts of warnings about the dangers of too much sunshine. What we know, though, is that a little sunshine everyday is good for your physical and mental health!
Studies have shown that just 15 minutes of sunshine each day can have lasting benefits for your physical health, as well as your mental state. Sunshine, after all, increases the body's production of a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin and another chemical our body naturally produces, melatonin, helps us get a good night's sleep. Serotonin also contributes to our ability to experience positive moods. Low levels of serotonin may be implicated in cases of depression. Additionally, many people living in parts of the world that experience short days and long nights for extended periods of time, like Alaska, have lower levels of serotonin because of the lack of light for extended periods of time, and often experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For people with SAD, daily doses of specific types of artificial light can trick the body into producing more serotonin, alleviating their symptoms.
A little sunshine everyday also increases the body's production of Vitamin D, which serves several functions. We know that strong bones require plenty of calcium and vitamin D, so sunshine can contribute to stronger bones! Vitamin D also reduces inflammation, and encourages the absorption of other vitamins and minerals in our daily diet.
Have you ever felt like your stress level goes down after a few minutes in the sun? Well, there is a very real scientific reason for that! Our body naturally produces nitric oxide when exposed to sunshine, and nitric oxide serves several functions for our body, including reducing blood pressure. Stress typically increases our blood pressure, so stepping outside for a few minutes each day, to soak up some sunshine, can counteract that rush by producing nitric oxide, thus reducing our blood pressure. Lower blood pressure is better for our heart health, so getting outside is good for our heart, too!
I will never take for granted a few minutes of sunshine each day, knowing that a few minutes, but not too much (protect your skin from over exposure, as all that science about the increased risk of certain cancers with extended sun exposure still applies), can boost my mood, improve my sleep, and protect my heart while reducing my perception of stress by lowering my blood pressure.
Not that easy to get outside when the sun is shining? Well, you can get some of that benefit just by sitting by a window when the sun is shining in on you. Or in your car, driving with the sun shining through the window. If you cannot get sunshine through either of those avenues, maybe you are living in one of those parts of the world that don't get a lot of sunshine, you can always get a specific type of light to help you out. Here is a review of some lamps, with some very reasonably priced (around $30), and of course some more pricey versions:
https://bestreviews.com/best-light-therapy-lampsSo, do what you can to step outside, or near a window, to soak up around 15 minutes of sunshine each day. If you can't get a little sunshine, try a special lamp as a substitute. If $30 for a lamp is out of reach for your current budget, check your local consignment store, Good Will, or Salvation Army. There is no guarantee you will find one there, but I have seen used lamps in each of these locations!
Be well, stay safe, and take care.