by Emeline R.

In science class, you were taught that the sun is a big ball of fire that allows the earth to sustain life. You probably thought, “well that’s cool,” memorized the fact for your upcoming test, and moved on. But what if I told you that the sun’s rays are one of Mother Nature’s most effective medicines, not to mention incredibly accessible? In appropriate doses, sunshine has the capacity to increase longevity, minimize depression, improve the quality of your sleep, and increase bone health, and you don’t even have to swallow a pill!

Healthy Doses
Now, you may be thinking, “Wait a second, I thought that sun exposure causes cancer… how is that going to increase longevity?” This is why it’s important to address how much sun you should be getting for maximum health benefits. Generally speaking, 10-15 minutes of sunshine a day is considered a healthy amount. Rule of thumb: You don’t want to burn. You don’t need to burn. NO BURNING.

The Benefits
Sunshine stimulates serotonin production in your brain. Serotonin is essentially the “happy” hormone – and who doesn’t want more of that? Having enough serotonin is also important in preventing SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is a form of depression that occurs when the seasons change. Generally speaking, people don’t get as much sunlight in the winter, leading to dipping serotonin levels and, potentially, an increase in depression. Getting your daily dose of sunshine will help boost your mood during any season, but will especially help prevent those wintertime blues.

Getting Your ZZZ’s
What does everybody always want more of? Sleep! Getting 5-10 minutes of sunshine first thing in the morning does wonders in helping keep your circadian rhythm (internal body clock) on track. A dose of sunshine in the morning helps your body release serotonin, sending your brain “wakeful” signals. Being clearly awake in the morning helps your body prepare for sleep at night, resulting in much higher quality sleep.

Take Your Vitamins!
Sunshine is the best natural source of vitamin D. Your body absorbs it through your skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for bone and heart health. According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, vitamin D can also significantly reduce your risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

The great thing about sunshine is that it’s always available… and free of charge! Even when it’s cloudy, your skin can absorb UV rays, which does your body good. Whether it’s 5 minutes or 15, getting your daily dose of sunshine will help you feel energized, happier, healthier and a little bit brighter.