The sweet days of summer are just starting to heat up! And, we all know that warm weather
means more sun. Though it’s important to practice sun safety to avoid premature aging, sun spots,
and skin cancer, sun exposure isn’t all bad. In fact, healthy sun exposure can actually help boost
mood.
That’s because exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain's release of serotonin, a
hormone associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. This release
can help people find relief from conditions like seasonal depression which is rare in the summer
months.
Some studies also show that sun exposure can help reduce your stress levels. Vitamin D is
a “feel good” element of our overall health. Sunshine is a great way to get the full benefits of
Vitamin D! Try getting out for a daily walk to soak up the sun and get in some exercise.
Lastly healthy sun exposure can help improve your sleep habits. Sunlight can help the brain
produce more melatonin. This “sleep hormone” helps regulate your sleep cycles by helping
strengthen and improve your sleep-wake cycles.
This summer, you can practice sun safety and still get the sun’s maximum benefits if you
follow these tips.