Sunlight great for mind, body and spirit
THE Greeks and the yogis and many other cultures used exposure to sunlight as a form of therapy to heal a host of illness and promote vitality and health.
In Ireland, we enjoy eight hours of daylight in winter and more than 18 hours at this time of year. And, the days will continue to lengthen till the solstice on June 21 a month from now.
Sunlight has so many benefits for mind, body and spirit. It feels good. It makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning. It is energising. It brightens up your mood. It lifts everyone’s spirit and makes life more enjoyable and people more friendly.
The weather is always a topic in Ireland where the climate is more changeable and as a result more of a talking point than in most other countries. We can experience all four seasons in one day. The sunshine is particularly welcome this year after what seems like a very long winter.
Below are nine of the major benefits a moderate amount of sunlight can bring to you and your loved ones.
1. Sunlight increases serotonin levels which makes you happier and helps overcome depression and low mood. The absence of sunlight can cause a condition – SAD – Seasonal affective disorder – a form of depression more common in the winter months and with people who stay long hours indoors.
2. Exposure to the sun creates Vitamin D in the body, which has so many positive health benefits and functions including: boosting bone health and the immune system, protecting against dementia and brain aging, decreasing symptoms of asthma and strengthening teeth. It is also shown to be good for loosing excess fat and even inhibits the growth of some cancers.
3. Sunlight has been shown to kill bad bacteria. Soldiers in World War I used sunlight to disinfect and heal wounds.
4. It has a positive effect on skin disorders including psoriasis, acne, eczema and a range of fungal infections.
5. Sunlight is shown to lower cholesterol. It converts high cholesterol in the blood into the hormones we need for reproduction and steroid hormones. In the absence of sunlight, substances convert to cholesterol.
6. The sun’s rays lower blood pressure.
7. Sunlight boosts oxygen levels in your blood. And like exercise, it also enhances the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues.
8. Sunlight boosts your immune system. White blood cells, which increase with sun exposure help defend the body against infection.
9. While too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer, a moderate amount of sunlight is shown to slow growth and have preventive benefits for other cancers.
While the sun gives light and life, it also burns. Spending time in the sun should be done with caution. What is the right amount and what is too much depends on your skin type and how direct and strong the sun’s rays are (they are more direct between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Fair skinned people (most Irish people) burn more easily. The World health organisation recommends getting five – 15 minutes of sunlight on your arms, hands, and face two to three times a week to enjoy the vitamin D-boosting benefits of sun.
If you’re going to be out for long when the rays are strong, protect your skin. Avoid sunburn by building up your tolerance levels very slowly.
If you can do even 10 minutes of exercise or enjoy a short walk when out, you will be doing even more for your health and wellbeing.
Wish you a lovely week of enjoying the sunshine that comes!