Why You Should Get Some Sun Every Morning
Have you ever wondered about the power of the sun? Why are you in such a good mood when the sun is out as opposed to when it is raining and cloud? The sun is a powerful source of Vitamin D and also assists with boosting your mood, productivity, and sleep cycle. Lately, especially in the winter, I have made it a goal to expose myself to the sun every morning when I wake up - mostly through a window as it is colder out now than the spring and summer time. Here’s why you should try this as well:
Sun exposure can have numerous benefits for our overall health and well-being. One of the most significant benefits is the production of vitamin D in our body, which is crucial for bone health and can also boost our immune system. Sun exposure can also improve our mood and help regulate our sleep patterns by increasing the production of serotonin, a hormone that promotes feelings of happiness and relaxation. Additionally, being outdoors and exposed to sunlight can increase physical activity and social interactions, which can improve mental health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Exposing yourself to the sun each morning can also have a significant impact on your mood and sleep patterns. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it triggers the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your mood and emotions. Serotonin is specifically known as the "feel-good" hormone and can encourage feelings of happiness and relaxation, which can improve our overall well-being.
In addition, sunlight exposure can help regulate our circadian rhythm, otherwise known as our sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to the sun during the day can help reset our internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning. This can lead to better quality sleep and improved overall health. Balancing my circadian rhythm has been a huge priority of mine as I often have trouble falling and staying asleep at night. Getting some sun in each morning has helped me regulate my sleep cycle immensely.
Lastly, sunlight exposure has been shown to have a positive impact on our mood and emotions. Exposure to the sun triggers the production of serotonin. As the “feel-good” hormone, serotonin helps to promote the feelings of happiness and well-being. Sunlight also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help reduce stress and anxiety in the body. With a combination of increased serotonin and endorphin production, people often see an overall improved mood and a reduction in symptoms of depression. I suffer from seasonal depression pretty regularly in the winter time and I noticed a main portion of this depression stems from the sun setting earlier and earlier as we get further into the winter season. To combat this, I have made sure to get my sun exposure whenever I can (usually in the mornings before work) as well as take advantage of lighting that mimics the sun. No matter what, I always leave my blinds open throughout the day to let the natural sunlight in. I have also invested in a sunset lamp that I turn on once the sun has set for the day to increase my time with the “sun”. I have found that this has overall helped with my seasonal depression as well as stress and anxiety and I am in a better mood each day because of it!
