What is the importance of sunlight on our health? Well, who doesn’t enjoy the warm sun on their skin? For most of us, we prefer the natural light provided by the sun and there’s a reason for that. Sunlight is the most natural source of vitamin D. Our skin absorbs Vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Let’s discuss the importance of Vitamin D, how we can boost our intake from the sun, and how this all ties into our overall mental health.
Why is Vitamin D so Important?
Nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D is crucial to our health. It reduces bone loss, aids in weight loss, and helps strengthen the immune system. The most natural form of vitamin D comes from the sun, but it can also be found in many foods that we eat. Seems simple, yet 50% of the world’s population is Vitamin D deficient.
Sunlight and Our Mental Health
Since we now know how important Vitamin D is, let’s talk about why getting enough sunlight is important for our overall health, including metal health. Many of us suffer from seasonal depression. When fall comes and the sunlight becomes limited, many of us start to feel the blues. Getting outside is an instant way to help boost your mood.
Mental health and sleep go hand in hand, so when we are feeling the funk, losing sleep becomes the norm. Getting outside for at least 15 minutes a day (without sunscreen) is one way to immediately boost your mood and get some much needed Vitamin D. Get up a little earlier in the mornings and go out for a walk or take that old dog out for some exercise after work. The best times to get some sunshine are during the “golden hours” of the day, as the sun is rising and setting.
Although vitamin D doesn’t work through glass, still set up your home office by a window. When your body knows day from night, you do sleep better. Open up your curtains each morning and let there be natural light! If you work in an office, take a walk on your lunch break and soak up some rays. The importance of Sunlight on health is clear and documented.
Support is Key to Success
Making lifestyle changes all at once can feel overwhelming especially with all the conflicting noise on the internet. Humans are hardwired to need support; seek it both personally and professionally. Get a free 30-minute phone consultation. See if this is the right match for you by addressing natural weight loss, cravings, emotional eating, balanced diet, disease prevention, nutrition, and getting to the root cause of what’s keeping you stuck. See what others are saying on Google and Yelp.
For more articles, read https://happyfoodhealth.com/blog
~ Samantha Hua, Nutrition Coach, Holistic Health Coach & Weight Loss Coach
