Why Sunshine is the Best Medicine

Hey everyone, hope your Thursday is off to a thrilling start! 🙂

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Is anyone else experiencing a warm-front where they are? I’m absolutely LOVING it! On Tuesday, one of my professors decided we should spend a portion of class outside, bless her heart. As I sat there and observed everyone else around me, I couldn’t help but smile.

To be honest, we were all smiling! At last the “blah-ness” of February has come and gone, and we can all finally enjoy the warm sunshine for a bit. (Until Mother Nature decides to change again…) 

Vitamin D, people. It’s gonna be your new best friend after today’s post…if it isn’t your best friend already. It’s really important!

Ever hear of S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder)? It’s basically a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year, and in most cases, it’s during the WINTER. Darn you cold weather. Wanna know the cause? Most likely, the lack of Vitamin D, that “happy” vitamin that makes us feel awesome all the time in the summer. But guess what? Vitamin D isn’t even a vitamin…it’s actually a hormone! I don’t think a plain old vitamin deficiency would cause so much moodiness or depression. But hey, I don’t know everything. However, I do know that Vitamin D allows you to absorb calcium from your stomach so it helps with all the things that calcium does, primarily maintaining bone health.

But what about things other than Vitamin D?

Only a few foods, such as fatty fish and mushrooms, contain vitamin D, so we get most of it from sunlight. This means not enough sun exposure often results in low vitamin D levels. This is why sunshine is the best medicine. Let’s back it up a bit though…

Sunlight comprises two types of solar radiation: UVA, which causes you to look like a lobster because of sunburn, and UVB, which increases the production of an inactive form of vitamin D by the skin. But as you know, both UVA and UVB also increase the risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma, which is why you should always wear sunscreen. This also explains why my mom’s skin always looks perfect…#goals. UVA has also been shown to lower blood pressure and increase blood flow and heart rate, all of which are beneficial to the heart and blood vessels. People who don’t get outside enough also might be predisposed to excessive inflammation, so a little sunlight can reduce the numbers of the activated cells that lead to inflammation and also some diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Cool!

Keep in mind, fairer skinned people typically get a sunburn more quickly with sun exposure than others who are darker skinned. Also, you’re more likely to get a sunburn going outside when the sun’s rays are more direct, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so wear that SPF! To enjoy the vitamin D-boosting benefits of sun, getting anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight on your arms, hands, and face two to three times a week is best, says the WHO.

Source: Cupcakes to Crossfit

Adding a little sunshine to your life by getting outside more can relieve anxiety and reduce depression. If you live in higher latitudes with little sunlight, investing in a light box could provide some mood-boosting benefits too. Find them HERE on Amazon!

From treating skin conditions to strengthening bones, sunlight keeps us happy and keeps us healthy. <3

Take your yoga practice outside! It’s wonderful 🙂

Be like the sun and SHINE. Live well and BE WELL everyone! <3

Today’s “March Into Happiness” thought of the day:

March 10th:
If we did all the things that we are most capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
–Thomas Edison–

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