Beneficial Sunshine

Sunshine is one of the healthiest and most underused commodities out there. It bathes our planet in golden sprays of light that literally allowed life to evolve past single cells to the diversity that exists today. Since 1879, the invention of the lightbulb, human use of sunlight has diminished dramatically. Presently, there are people who are afraid to go outside for fear of being touched by sunlight. Can you imagine? Refusing to allow the incredible life-giving force of the sun to bring vitality to your body. Those who do go outside are covering up with large hats, gloves, long sleeves and oodles of sunscreen. Modern media has extolled the dangers of too much sunlight without giving attention to the incredible beneficial effects that sunlight has on our mind, body and spirit. Without a doubt, it is more dangerous to your body to have not enough sunlight, than it is to have too much. Don’t believe me? Read on!

We are creatures that have evolved over millions of years. For most of our evolution, the sun has controlled our circadian rhythms, our eating habits, and have been the main source of light. In the 130 years since the lightbulb, our rhythms have altered to be more controlled by artificial light. This has created changes across the board, including: diminished sleep, earlier onset of menstruation, and a growing list of medical issues. These medical issues range from the symptoms of ADD, to multiple sclerosis, depression, and yes, even cancer. Lack of sunlight has even been the reason for the creation of a new disorder: seasonal affective disorder. Research in many different areas corroborates the fact that exposure to the sun is as healthy and important as nutrition, exercise, and consuming water. By far the most deleterious indoor lights are the standard fluorescent lights used in large stores or office buildings. Incandescent lights are better, but still no substitute for natural sunlight. 

Our sleep patterns are regulated by the hormone melatonin. It is produced only when your body senses darkness. Natural sunlight encourages your body’s natural tendency to be wide awake during the day, and sleep at night. More melatonin is produced at night when a person receives a daily dose of sunlight during the day. Want more restful sleep? Go out for a walk during the day!

Most people have heard that sunlight produces vitamin D when it hits our skin. What does vitamin D actually do? Well, it has two very important functions: the first strengthens our structural system, the second our immune system. In addition to calcium, vitamin D helps densify bony structure over the long term. The big-guns of our immune systems, the white blood cells, become more active throughout our bodies when given enough vitamin D. They move around more freely, and chomp harmful viruses and bacteria with more gusto. Feeling sick? In addition to producing vitamin D, sunlight is a natural antiseptic. Get out of bed and sit outside. You will feel better, and heal faster. (By the way, acne is a type of infection. Sunlight helps with that too).

Sunlight counteracts bad moods and creates natural happiness. Better than any antidepressant, it encourages your body to release both serotonin and endorphins: the mood chemicals. Even without striking your body, the bright yellow of sunlight indicates to your body to be awake and alive. Short term bad moods can be helped by enjoying time outside. Longer term depressive symptoms require ongoing, consistent exposure to sunlight. No kidding, spending time in the sun can neutralize the need for both psychiatric medications and psychological therapy. If you are experiencing current challenges or issues, try this recommendation: Every day for two weeks, take two 20 minute walks outside. No need to rush or run, just walk and observe your surroundings. The few objects (like buildings or branches) overhead, the better. For real impact, try walking around mid-morning, and mid-afternoon. Record how you feel at the beginning and end of the two weeks. Give it a shot, and let me know what you think.

How much is enough sunlight? The darker your natural skin color, the more sun you need to activate these mechanisms, and vice-versa. For a rather fair person, 10-15 minutes a day might be just perfect. For those who are darker: 45-60 minutes per day. Redness means you have been out too long. Keep in mind that the time frame depends entirely on the individual.  

Consider this your daily prescription: go out and enjoy the sun.  Go ahead, get out there!