Shedding “Light” on Your Ability to Thrive 

Aside from lighting up our world and feeling joyous on the skin, the gift of moderate sun exposure  actually offers tremendous, life-changing benefits to our overall health. 

Anywhere upwards of 15 – 20 minutes of direct, unhindered sunlight on the flesh (yes, that implies  skipping the sunscreen) may aid in the promotion of things we “want more of” and elimination of things  we “want less of” in the body. 

Sunlight is the primary source of high-quality vitamin D, a vital ingredient in strong bone development  and maintenance. Research informs us that substituting natural sunlight’s vitamin D with that of a dietary  supplement is insufficient nutritionally, so it is important that we get outside! 

For those experiencing chronic anxiety, depression, or insomnia, there is relief in knowing exposure to  the sun’s rays has a positive impact on overall mood and stress management. This is because contact  with direct sunlight boosts serotonin production in the brain. Additionally, the reduction in melatonin  

helps to balance hormones and regulate our sleep and wake cycles—a key exercise of healthy  physiological function and a must if feeling energized, alert, and deeply rested throughout the day is  your aim. 

We’ve comprised a comprehensive list of the most repeated benefits linked between sunlight and  wellness: 

• Lowering blood pressure 

• Diminishing of harmful bacteria 

• Improving bone health 

• Improving brain function 

• Easing depression & anxiety 

• Improving sleep quality 

• Lessening symptoms of Alzheimer’s 

• Healing certain skin disorders 

• Boosting growth in children 

• Enhancing the immune system 

• Reducing the risk of certain cancers 

While it is important to mediate overexposure, studies have shown that tolerance to the rays associated  with sunlight increases over time, so it is best to begin a sunbath routine as soon as possible. 

The next time you find yourself basking in those golden rays, soaking up its goodness, feeding your cells, smile! For any questions regarding exposure to the marvelous gift of the sun or other health-related topics, feel free to reach out and ask away. Until your next 15-minute sun break, stay blooming!