"The Sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but the whole world's joy."
- Henry Ward Beecher
The Sun should play a starring role in everyone's life. We could not live without it. Besides providing us with energy and light, sunshine is a representation of everything that is good in life. I have never seen a picture drawn of the Sun with a frowning face. Sunshine represents happiness and warmth. Sunny days are literally brighter and have proven to put people in a better mood. This is a friendly reminder of the amazing benefits of sunshine time.
It has become common knowledge that the Sun provides a natural source of Vitamin D, which helps benefit our mental and physical health. Research has shown that Vitamin D can provide protection against osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, breathing problems, inflammation, diabetes and certain cancers. On average, we get 90% of our Vitamin D from sunlight, which means that if we are not getting enough Sun, we are not getting the required amount of vitamin D we need to perform at our best.
Photo by Jackson David on Pexels
It has also become common knowledge that lack of sunlight, usually in the winter months, can cause Seasonal Affect Disorder (I know, SAD), providing further evidence of how important sunlight is to benefitting our overall health. There is even a huge industry for SAD lamps that provide Vitamin D when we are unable to get it naturally. Science has helped us to not only recognize how vital sunlight and Vitamin D is for our health, but also provides us with alternative methods for us to absorb it.
Is the sun (literally) shining where you are right now? If so, I encourage you to go soak some in right now if you have the opportunity. If not, put in on your to-do list for tomorrow or the next sunny day. Just like plants, we require sunshine and water in order to live and grow into our potential. It won't work through a window, since UV rays don't pass through. Go for a walk. Lay in the grass. Breathe in the fresh air while feeling the warmth of the Sun on your skin. We should always be making time for sunshine. Oh, and make sure to do it safely. 🌞😎
More Wellness!
Very Well Mind: The Mental Health Benefits of Sunlight
Medical News Today: What to know about the health benefits of sunlight
Healthline: How to Safely Get Vitamin D From Sunlight
