Over the last couple of weeks, I have focused on the negative effects of hot weather and the positive effects of rain. Today I will talk about something you may already know, the positive effects of the sun on our mental health. For those of us lucky enough to live in a warm climate, you will have already experienced the benefits a warm sunny day can give us. But what does the sun really do for us?
According to a survey conducted on a group of employees, they found that direct exposure to sunlight helped to decrease anxiety in workers. They believe that this could be due to how sunlight can help to bring about a sense of alertness and vitality due to the stimulating properties of sunlight.
Not only does sunlight benefit our mental health; it also helps us in other ways. The sun’s rays are a great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important to boost our immune system as well as decrease inflammation. Furthermore, getting plenty of sun also helps us to get enough sleep by helping with the secretion of melatonin.
There has been a lot of talk nowadays of the importance of vitamin D to boost our immune system to protect ourselves in case we are exposed to coronaviruses. I will leave you to decide on whether vitamin D has a role to play in covid19.
Personally, I understand the risks involved in too much sunlight, but I believe that we need to get out in the sun as much as is safe. If it doesn’t leave you with a natural glow, I am sure it will improve your mood as it does mine.
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4877070/#pone.0155614.ref048
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/
