Five Mental Health Benefits of Sun Exposure
/As we move into July, you may find yourself spending more time outside in the sun. While the summer opens the opportunity for various outdoor activities, it also may have positive mental health benefits due to our increased exposure to the sun. Here are five ways the sun can help improve our mental health.
Enhanced mood. Sunlight has been shown to increase the release of serotonin in our brain, which is a neurotransmitter associated with improved mood and focus.
Preventing depression symptoms. Research has found that the increase in serotonin from exposure to sunlight can help prevent various forms of depression, one of the most notable being seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Reduction in stress and anxiety. Exposure to natural light can also help promote relaxation and increase our production of endorphins, which are hormones that can reduce stress and relieve pain.
Improved brain function. Sunlight has also shown positive impacts on our attention, memory, and overall cognitive function. Additionally, sun exposure may potentially protect against conditions like dementia.
Improved sleep quality. The sunlight can help regulate our circadian rhythm, also known as our body’s internal clock. Sunlight exposure during the day can help improve melatonin production at night, which is a hormone that helps us fall and stay asleep.
Overall, studies have found that individuals receiving more sunlight exposure tend to have more positive mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that about 15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times a week can stimulate the benefits of sunlight. However, the WHO also recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more if outside for more than 15 minutes, as proper sun protection is essential as we reap the benefits of the increased sunlight of the summer season.