10 Totally Awesome Benefits of Sunshine (Sun-In & Baby Oil Not Included)
With nearly 24 hours of daylight streaming through my windows in Fairbanks, Alaska, today I’m sharing 10 Totally Awesome Benefits of Sunlight. In my best Sophia from Golden Girls Voice…
Picture it, Duluth, Minnesota, July 1984…you know the days when you’d lay out in the sun spritzing Sun-in on your hair, slathering baby oil on your skin and if you were REALLY into tanning, grab the tin-foil blanket to reflect even MORE sun? Ahhh those summers felt endless, spending hours outside 'til the streetlights came on didn’t they? Or maybe juggling all the things and snatching moments of peace wherever you could find them? Well, guess what? That incredible, free source of energy we might have taken for granted…and overindulged in like MadDog 20/20 and Bartles & James wine coolers…is still out there, ready to give you a serious boost. Yes, I AM talking about sunshine!
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, the to-do lists, the scrolling... but there's a powerful, totally awesome force right outside your door, waiting to pour some goodness into your life. Sunlight isn't just about getting a tan, it's packed with real, tangible benefits that can help you feel more vibrant, focused, and genuinely happier. So, let's reconnect with that golden power source and see how soaking up a little sunshine can help you rock your world, because, let's be real, you're totally awesome and you deserve to feel that way!
1. Boosts Vitamin D Production
Get ready to soak up some serious goodness! One of the most epic things natural sunshine does is help your body whip up Vitamin D. Think of it as your body's natural sunshine-powered vitamin factory! This isn't just any vitamin; it's like liquid gold for feeling awesome. Just a little bit of sun exposure kickstarts this amazing process, giving your body a super important nutrient it needs to thrive.
It's so crucial, they even call it the "sunshine vitamin"! Having enough Vitamin D is like having a secret weapon for your health, supporting everything from your bones to your mood. So, step out and let the sun help you create this vital nutrient – you're basically glowing from the inside out!
2. Supports Bone Health
Want bones that are as strong and awesome as you are? Natural sunshine is your ally! Because sunlight helps your body make Vitamin D, and Vitamin D is like the VIP pass for absorbing calcium – the building block of strong bones. Adequate sunlight means your body can put that calcium to work, keeping your skeletal system robust and resilient.
Say goodbye to worries about brittle bones and hello to a foundation that supports your totally awesome life! Strong bones mean you can move freely, stay active, and conquer whatever comes your way. It's another way the sun empowers you to live life to the fullest!
3. Enhances Mood
Feeling a little cloudy? The sun is here to bring the brightness back! Natural sunshine is a natural mood booster because it helps your brain release serotonin. Serotonin is often called the "feel-good" hormone, and for good reason! It helps you feel calm, focused, and genuinely happier.
Especially during those times of the year with less light, getting your sunshine fix can be a game-changer for lifting your spirits and keeping the "awesome" vibes flowing. It's like a little dose of pure joy delivered straight from the sky, helping you shine from within!
4. Helps Regulate Sleep
Ready for some seriously awesome sleep? Natural light plays a huge role in setting your body's internal clock, your circadian rhythm. Getting exposure to sunlight, especially earlier in the day, tells your body it's daytime and helps regulate your natural sleep-wake cycle. Living in the interior of Alaska where the sun doesn’t totally set this time of year, I get waaaaay better sleep than in the winter when there is little sunlight. I thought it was weird, but now I know it’s not and WHY it’s not!
This means when evening comes, your body is better prepared to wind down and get the restful sleep you deserve. Proper sleep is key to feeling energized, focused, and ready to be totally awesome every single day, and the sun helps set the stage for that!
5. Strengthens the Immune System
Give your immune system a high-five with the help of sunshine! That Vitamin D your body makes from sunlight isn't just for bones; it's also a superstar for your immune defenses. Having healthy Vitamin D levels helps your immune system function optimally, making it more effective at fighting off unwanted germs and keeping you feeling strong.
Think of it as giving your body an extra layer of awesome protection. A robust immune system means fewer sick days and more opportunities to live your vibrant, healthy, and totally awesome life without being slowed down! Did you know that’s why we tend to get sick more often? Boost your Vitamin D in the winter friends! (Be sure to ask your doctor first though).
6. May Lower Blood Pressure
Here's a cool benefit you might not have known: some research suggests that getting moderate sunlight exposure could potentially help in lowering blood pressure. While more studies are always happening, the idea is that sunlight might influence compounds in your skin that help blood vessels relax.
Lower blood pressure is a big win for your overall cardiovascular health, keeping your heart happy and strong. It's another way that connecting with nature's light can contribute to your long-term well-being and keep you feeling awesome for years to come!
7. Can Improve Focus and Cognitive Function
Want to sharpen that amazing mind of yours? Natural light might lend a hand! Exposure to sunshine has been linked to improved alertness and better cognitive performance. It helps regulate those hormones that keep you awake and focused, making it easier to concentrate and tackle tasks with clarity.
Stepping into the sun can be like hitting a refresh button for your brain, helping you think more clearly and creatively. Stay sharp, stay focused, and let the sunshine help you unleash your intellectual awesomeness! Want to not feel like you want to crawl under your desk after lunch? Get outside for a 10 minute walk facing the sun (and the walking will help reduce the post-meal blood sugar spike too!).
8. May Help Treat Skin Conditions
While we always preach sun safety, controlled and moderate exposure to UV light under medical guidance has actually been used as a therapy for certain skin conditions. For issues like psoriasis and eczema, UV light can sometimes help to slow down skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.
It's a reminder that light from the sun, when used appropriately and carefully, has powerful effects that can be harnessed for healing. Always talk to a healthcare professional, but it's pretty awesome that sunshine can offer relief for some skin challenges!
9. Increases Energy Levels
Feeling a little sluggish? Let the sun power you up! Natural light exposure can significantly impact your energy levels. By regulating your circadian rhythm and boosting mood-enhancing chemicals, sunlight helps you feel more awake, vibrant, and ready to take on the day.
It's like plugging yourself into Mother Natures power bank. Ditching the artificial light and stepping into the sun can give you that natural pep in your step, fueling your activities and helping you maintain that totally awesome energy throughout the day!
10. May Reduce Risk of Certain Cancers
This might sound surprising given the warnings about skin cancer, but some studies indicate that adequate, sensible sunlight exposure might be associated with a reduced risk of certain internal cancers, like colon, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. The theory often relates back to the role of Vitamin D.
This highlights the complex relationship we have with the sun – it's about finding that healthy balance. While protecting your skin from excessive exposure is non-negotiable, appreciating the potential protective effects linked to moderate sun exposure and Vitamin D is part of the bigger picture of living a healthy, awesome life.
One last thing…sunscreen filled with a toxic chemical soup of ingredients can be worse for you than a slight burn. Be sure to read labels and do research to find the best options for you.
Shine On, You Awesome Thing!
So there you have i, 10 Totally Awesome reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid of the sun. That big bright light in the sky isn't just for beach days (though those are awesome too!). It's a free tool to help you feel stronger, happier, and more energized in your everyday life. Whether it's a quick coffee break on the porch, a walk around the block, or just opening the blinds wide, finding those small moments to connect with natural light can make a real difference. You've got this incredible energy and resilience – let the sun help you nurture it. Go ahead, step outside, take a deep breath, and let that sunshine remind you just how truly, undeniably awesome you are! ✨
