Be the light

We’ve all heard the warnings of the damages of sun rays. Wrinkles, burns, cancer, those are all important points to remember but these concerns have, unfortunately, clouded the conversation we have around sunlight and it’s bred a sort of fear. However, like all things in life, benefits come from moderation. 

@the_samus

 During this time that everyone is (hopefully) cooped up in their house, people are missing their friends, family, and routine. But while March passed, and April rolled around, the beginning of spring and its hopes for beaches, picnics, and festivals came to a screeching halt with the stay-at-home mandates to flatten the curve of COVID-19. One of the casualties is the lack of time in the sun. 

The sun has had a tough time with its reputation and the negative effects that it could have on people. But even medical professionals recommend 5-15 minutes of sun a day to help improve health in multiple ways. The interaction of sun on skin is our human form of photosynthesis. Every woman is careful to put her potted plants out into the sun — why not her children? 

@anadegenaar

rays for days

  1. Boosting immunity.

Probably the most important part of getting your daily dose of rays is the benefits it has on your physical health. Sunlight is known to lower blood pressure, increases the production of insulin which helps type 2 diabetes, and has been linked to boosting immunity in multiple ways. Sunlight stimulates vitamin D and T-cells which, in turn boost the body’s immunity and helps the body protect itself from pathogens. During this pandemic, it’s important to take care of personal health and avoid anything trite that could take you to the doctor’s office, so they can continue to fight this serious pandemic. Having the extra help by a few rays of sunlight can go a long way. 

  1. Mental health.

Sunlight has been proven to boost people’s moods and improve their sleep. Scientifically speaking, sunlight is thought to increase the release of serotonin, making a person feel lifted, calm and focused. Right now, a lot of people are experiencing anxiety, depression, and maybe even Seasonal Affective Disorder. Taking care of your mental health is arguably more important now than ever before. A few minutes of sunlight a day can help with that.

  1. Skin conditions.

While sun exposure has a complicated relationship with skin. With so many stories of wrinkles and skin cancer, so many specialists warn about protecting the skin from the sun in order to prevent long-term damage. However, a moderate amount of sun, a few minutes a day, can actually improve several conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Just remember to apply the proper protection to get the benefits without the side-effects.

@jenaurich

I know it’s harder and harder every day to justify going outside with the current pandemic. But creativity is tested in difficult times. Have breakfast on your balcony in the morning. Go for a walk or run, remember to avoid touching any surfaces and stay the recommended six feet away from someone. Start a garden in your backyard. Stay safe and stay healthy.

We’d love to hear from you! What are some different ways you are soaking up vitamin D?