With
summer on the horizon this article looks into the reasons why getting moderate/
sensible sun exposure is good for your health and overall well-being. From having
a positive effect on your mood to aspects of your physical health; there are
various benefits related to getting enough vitamin D from sunlight exposure.
1.
It can be seen to improve your mood – It is seen that
the sun helps to boost levels of serotonin, which is the body's natural 'happy'
hormone. With the stronger desire to be outdoors when the sun is out, higher
levels of exercise is also promoted, such as walks in the park or along the
beach. This outdoor exercise is seen to release more endorphins than that of
indoor exercise.
2.
Helps to combat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) – Also known as
the ‘winter blues’, this is depression caused specifically by a lack of
sunlight. Increased exposure to natural sunlight can be seen as the best combat
to this, such as spending at least an hour outdoors during the winter and
autumn months.
3.
Reduces heart disease –Throughout the summer months we
are able to absorb higher levels of vitamin D, which can help lower your risk
of heart disease and also cholesterol levels.
4.
Reduces risk of cancers – Despite exposure
to the sun and UV rays seen to increase your risk of skin cancer, vitamin D (provided
by sunlight) can actually help to reduce your risk of other cancer types,
drastically. Particularly breast and colon cancer - was highlighted within a
study.
5.
Boosts fertility – With sun reducing the levels of the
hormone melatonin, which suppresses fertility, it is seen that you are more
likely to conceive during the summer months. This increased exposure to sunlight
also lengthens the time you spend fertile, and with it boosting testosterone
levels within men, the summer months are perfect if you wish to try to
conceive.
6.
Increases energy levels – The melatonin
hormone also works to regulate your sleep and so a reduction within these
levels gives you a more ‘get up and go’ attitude and feeling. This is why you
may feel you need less sleep within the summer but still feel just as lively,
this also promoted by being woken by a natural light as opposed to an alarm
clock.
7.
Eases the healing of swollen joints – This is
particularly beneficial to those with arthritis during the peaks of
inflammation.
8.
Strengthens the cardiovascular system – Through this
blood circulation is improved which in turn leads to the pulse, arterial
pressure and moderately high glycaemia can be taken down to a normal level.
What
better reasons to book a holiday than to improve your health. Just ensure that
you follow medical guidelines, such as; when you should be in the sun and when
you should avoid it, how often you should apply sun cream and what SPF to use
etc. With thousands of budget holidays available to
numerous destinations there is something to suit everyone. If you are still
searching for a holiday a discount centre may
give to you some great deals.
(Photo courtesy of Sunshine
And A Daisy)
