I love natural light and seek it wherever I can! I open the curtains, seek spaces where there is natural light and take every opportunity to be outside (even if the sun isn’t always shining!).
Given the brighter weather over the weekend and having just returned from a restorative and sunny break, I felt inspired to write this blog about the impact that sunshine has on our wellbeing. The warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle embrace of its rays, and the illumination it brings to our surroundings—sunshine is not just a natural phenomenon but a vital component of our wellbeing. Beyond its obvious role in sustaining life on Earth, sunlight holds profound effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health. So let’s think about the science behind this, the impact of sunshine on wellbeing and explore how harnessing its power can enhance our lives.
Vitamin D Production: One of the most well-known benefits of sunshine is its role in vitamin D synthesis. When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers a process that produces vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”. Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, regulating mood, and supporting immune function. Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to a range of health issues, including depression, osteoporosis, and weakened immunity.
Mood Enhancement: Have you ever noticed how your mood seems to lift on a sunny day? There’s a scientific reason behind this phenomenon. Sunlight exposure stimulates the production of serotonin, often dubbed the “feel-good hormone”. Serotonin plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). By soaking up the sun, we can boost our serotonin levels and experience improved mood and overall wellbeing. Now isn’t that a reason to get outside and enjoy the sunshine?
Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Our bodies operate on a natural internal clock known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle and various physiological processes. Sunlight exposure helps synchronise exposure to natural light during the day, promotes better sleep quality at night, enhances cognitive function, and contributes to overall feelings of vitality and alertness. So sunshine keeps our natural rhythm flowing.
Stress Reduction: Spending time outdoors in the sunshine has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The combination of fresh air, physical activity, and natural light can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and tension. Activities such as gardening, walking in the park, or simply lounging in the sun can provide a welcome respite from the demands of daily life and promote a sense of calm and tranquillity.
Connection to Nature: Sunlight serves as a conduit for our connection to the natural world. Spending time outdoors exposes us to the beauty of our surroundings, whether it’s a serene landscape, a vibrant garden, or the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean. This connection to nature has been shown to enhance our sense of wellbeing, foster feelings of awe and gratitude, and promote a deeper appreciation for the world around us. Green and blue spaces are particularly powerful and offer huge boosts in neurotransmitters.
It’s super important to note that it’s not just a sunny day that can provide all of these benefits though. Cloudy days are just as good for your daily dose as you are still being exposed to the sunshine and ultraviolet light necessary for Vitamin D production…you might just have to stay outside a little longer to get the same boost.
In a world where we often find ourselves confined to indoor spaces and immersed in artificial light, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that sunshine can have on our wellbeing. From its role in vitamin D production to its ability to uplift our mood and reduce stress, sunlight offers a myriad of benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional health. So the next time the sun beckons you outdoors, don’t hesitate to bask in its glow and reap the rewards of nature’s most powerful elixir.
Chrissy, Founder
