Happy Sunshine
John Denver was onto something when he wrote, “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.” On the drive into work, when the sun begins to rise over the mountains, in the afternoon when it hangs over Cabresto Lake, or in the evening when it lowers over Red River, sunshine is a critical part of our day. Most research on sunlight focuses on its negative effects—from sunburning to malignant melanoma—and I don’t want this article to discount these findings. However, I do want to look on the bright side (pun intended. The primary health benefit of sunlight is that it provides vitamin D. You’ve likely heard that vitamin D is important, but it’s often obscured as to why it’s important, so here are a few of the awesome things it does: supports bone and muscle health, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, boosts the immune system, and supports brain health. How cool is it that a star 93 million miles away has such drastic effects on our health?
The benefits of sunlight go beyond the physical. Sunlight promotes higher serotonin levels, the “happiness hormone.” Serotonin helps boost your mood while also providing a calming effect. It also helps with our sleep quality. Sun exposure is critical in maintaining our internal clock, or circadian rhythm. Your body naturally becomes alert when exposed to the sun, and winds down in the darkness, so beginning your day with a cup of sunlight can help you wake up and therefore fall asleep earlier, come evening.
A pocket full of sunshine can go a long way. Studies show that just 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight a day can yield all of the sun’s potential benefits. Rather than waiting to tan once a week, here are ideas for incorporating small periods of sunlight into your day:
The first tip is to add sunlight to your morning routine. If you have the privilege of sitting outside with your morning coffee or getting to go on a walk, try it and see how you feel. During my last semester in college, I was intentional about starting my day with a cup of water (which I talked about in last month’s article) and a bit of sunlight, and I noticed extraordinary differences in my alertness. While coffee gives you that extra burst, sunlight is great at creating sustained energy, along with its other benefits.
Another great opportunity to catch some rays is during a lunch break; the 10 minutes you spend in the sun can be just as good as a rest, allowing you to return to work with an improved mood and increased energy. It sounds like a magic pill, and in a lot of ways, it is.
The benefits of sunlight are numerous, and the best routine for incorporating it into your day is the one that works for you. The great thing about it, especially during the summer, is that you have lots of opportunities to grab it, so whether it’s during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, be like John Denver and let the sunshine hit your shoulders and eyes!
