8 Reasons Why Being In The Sun Is Good For Your Health

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)