The Benefits of the Sun on Your Physical and Mental Health

The sun is an incredible part of our world. It gives us light and warmth, and it also has the potential to have a positive impact on our overall health and well-being. But what are the physical and mental health benefits of the sun?

At Asana Lodge, we understand that the small joys in life can play a significant role in recovery. This is particularly true for those recovering from addiction who are focused on returning to a healthier state.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the benefits of the sun for both your body and mind.

Understanding the Benefits of the Sun

Sunlight is defined by the energy and light emitted to Earth by the sun – our daylight hours. When we talk about the sun’s benefits for our physical and mental health, we don’t necessarily mean access to sunshine.

There’s a misconception that it has to be warm, sunny, and bright in order to benefit from the sunlight. This is not the case – as people, we can still absorb the essential Vitamin D and experience mood-enhancing effects even on overcast or cooler days.

What Are the Physical Health Benefits of Sunlight?

One of the sun’s main benefits is that it helps our bodies create vitamin D. What this means is that when sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the production of this important vitamin.

From a physical health perspective, vitamin D is very important for strong bones because it helps our bodies absorb calcium. It also supports our immune system, allowing us to fight off illnesses.

If you get enough sunlight, you’ll also see improvements in your overall sleep quality, blood pressure, and immune function.

Improved Sleep

Sunlight helps regulate our body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.

Exposure to natural light during the day helps us sleep better at night. This is because sunlight affects the production of melatonin, which is a hormone that controls sleep. Better sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, especially for those in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.

Lower Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that sunlight can actually help lower blood pressure over time.

When our skin is exposed to the sun, it releases a molecule called nitric oxide into our blood vessels, which helps reduce blood pressure. Lower blood pressure means a lower risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.

Enhanced Immune Function

Sunlight can also boost our immune system.

As we mentioned earlier, Vitamin D plays a significant role in activating the immune response, making our bodies much more resilient against infections. A strong immune system is vital for everyone, but also especially for those recovering from addiction, as it helps the body heal and stay healthy.

What Are the Benefits of the Sun On Our Mental Health?

The main benefit is that, just as exercise and movement are powerful natural mood boosters, getting enough sunlight is also important.

When we’re exposed to the sun, our brains release more serotonin, a hormone that makes us feel happy and calm. This is why we often feel better on sunny days. For people in recovery, improving mood can be a key part of staying on track.

Sunlight Helps With Reducing Levels of Stress and Anxiety

Spending time in the sun can help reduce stress and anxiety because it can help with lowering the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone in our bodies.

Lower cortisol levels mean less stress and a more relaxed state of mind. This can be incredibly beneficial for those dealing with the challenges of addiction recovery.

Symptoms of Depression and Getting Enough Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight can significantly influence mental health, but this is particularly the case for those living with depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that typically arises during the autumn and winter months when daylight hours are shorter, the days are grey and sunlight is less intense.

Individuals with SAD may experience symptoms such as persistent sadness, low energy, changes in sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are believed to be linked to the reduced amount of sunlight during these seasons, which can affect the body’s internal clock and serotonin levels.

Even the briefest periods of sunlight each day can help alleviate symptoms by enhancing mood and improving overall mental well-being. Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain, which can help boost mood and reduce feelings of depression.

Tips On How to Get More Sunlight

To maximise the mental health benefits of sunlight:

• Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of sunlight exposure each day, especially in the morning.
• Spend time outdoors, engage in activities like walking or gardening, or simply sit by a window with natural light.
• Consider light therapy lamps if natural sunlight is limited, particularly during winter months or in regions with long periods of darkness.
• Whenever possible, have your breakfast, lunch, or coffee breaks outdoors to maximise your exposure to sunlight.
• When outdoors, try to find and spend time in areas that are directly exposed to sunlight rather than shaded spots.

Practical Tips for Safe Sun Exposure

Time of Day

The best time to get sun exposure is in the morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are not as intense. This helps you avoid the harmful effects of too much UV exposure, which can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Duration

Aim for about 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure several times a week. It doesn’t sound like much, but this is enough. Everyone’s skin type is different, so find a balance that works for you.

Use Sunscreen

Although it’s essential to get some sun, it’s equally important to protect your skin from too much exposure. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it if you’re outside for an extended period.

Wear Protective Clothing

If you’ll be in the sun for a long time, wear protective clothing, such as hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses. This helps protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.

Seek Shade

Take breaks in the shade to give your skin a rest from direct sunlight. This can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage.