3 Reasons Sunlight Is Awesome for Your Well-Being

By Paisley Hansen

May 14 2021 - Have you paid attention to how much the weather can impact your mood? It's easy to feel down or listless on those gloomy, dreary days, isn't it? But once the sun comes out, chances are you'll feel lighter and brighter, as will most everyone around you.

Your emotional well-being is incredibly important, especially because your overall health is a direct extension of it. While there are plenty of things you can do each day to keep yourself emotionally well, focusing on the power of sunlight will make all the difference. Here are three reasons why you should incorporate it into your daily self-care routine.

1. Because Sunlight Can Reduce Stress

What's one thing that everyone experiences, something that's an everyday occurrence for some? Stress. And while some stress is normal and even healthy, it can be detrimental to your well-being if not managed appropriately. Wondering where sunlight comes in? It's an incredibly versatile resource with countless benefits for your overall health.

Maybe this could mean that in a quest to reduce your rapidly rising monthly energy bills, you've decided to research purchasing solar panels Winston Salem NC. Not only would saving money be helpful from a stress reduction standpoint, you'd also feel good about making an eco-friendly upgrade to your home.

Or, perhaps you've been working from home and are starting to have a bit of cabin fever, so you move your office outside. Even if you do this for just part of the workday, that's enough time to benefit from the calming and health-boosting benefits of natural light.

2. Because Sunlight Has Preventative Properties

In a world where there are so many conflicting opinions on sunlight, it can be hard to determine what's right for you. One of the best things you can do is do your research and make informed decisions.

Did you know that sun exposure is a way to ensure your brain produces enough serotonin? This is especially important from an emotional health standpoint, because low levels of serotonin can lead to depression and anxiety. This is especially common during the winter months when sunlight is less available, but can happen throughout the year if you don't spend enough time outdoors.

Bottom line? Get out in the sun each day, even if for just ten minutes. This is the time when your body produces Vitamin D, which is essential to your overall health and wellness.

Additionally, studies have shown that sun exposure can reduce blood pressure, as well your chances of developing autoimmune conditions or even diabetes. This is important from an emotional wellness perspective because when your body is healthy and operating at its peak, you'll feel your best overall.

3. Because Sunlight Can Improve Your Sleep

Have you ever experienced a tough stretch of broken (or non-existent) sleep? Aside from feeling exhausted, it can lead to a multitude of unpleasant feelings of anxiety, depression, fogginess and irritability. Whether you're up all night with your newborn or you just can't seem to settle down, there's no question that a lack of sleep is very harmful to your emotional health.

This is all about balance. You already know that sunlight is helpful in your brain's production of serotonin - so in order for your body to produce the melatonin it needs, adequate sun exposure is a must.

An even exposure to natural light during the day and darkness at night is what your body needs to truly settle down and rest. While an off night every night of sleep every now and then certainly happens, you can do your body good by making sure you have plenty of exposure to sunlight each day and making sure your surroundings at night are dark and peaceful. This will help to prepare your mind and body for the night of sleep ahead.

Isn't it amazing what something as available and free as the sun can do for your mind? Ask yourself this question - are you getting enough? Making changes to your lifestyle to incorporate more of it each day should be simple and convenient. You'll be so glad you did.