More sunshine = happier YOU!
Did you know that sunlight can boost your mental health? That’s because sunlight triggers the release of a hormone called serotonin – that’s the hormone that’s responsible for those happy vibes. Serotonin helps to stabilise your mood, which is why it’s often called the ‘happy hormone’.
Sunlight For The Soul
A lack of sunlight exposure can actually trigger depression. SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that you can experience during particular seasons or at certain times of the year. Most sufferers find the winter months the hardest, but it can also occur in the summer. Certain kinds of weather can also cause SAD. Read more about SAD and how to treat it here.
A daily dose of just 5-15 minutes of sunshine can really boost your mood, as well as your Vitamin D levels. Increased levels of sunlight can also help you sleep better at night. This is because the more sunlight exposure you have through the day, the more melatonin you will produce at night. Melatonin is the sleepy hormone our bodies make to help us drift off to sleep.
Soak Up The Sun!
Here’s how you can add an extra splash of sunshine to your day:
- Open your curtains as soon as you wake up and let the sunshine pour in!
- Busy at work? Take a little walk during your lunch break and enjoy the sun on your skin.
- Stuck indoors? Sit close to a window to get the benefits of the sunny outdoors.
- Change up your exercise routine – ditch the gym and do an outdoor workout!
- Try to get outside as much as possible, even if it’s just for a short while.
Sunshine Safe
It’s important to remember to protect your skin while soaking up your daily dose of sunshine. Be summer smart and follow these simple steps to keep your skin safe:
- Throw on a shirt, a kaftan, or a robe to keep your arms covered and pop on a hat to protect your face, neck, and ears.
BONUS TIP – Wear UV sunglasses to protect your eyes in the bright sunshine.
- Seek out shade when the sun is at its hottest and brightest, sitting high in the sky – this is usually between 1-3pm. You can sit under an umbrella or lay down under a tree and relax.
BONUS TIP – A wide-brimmed hat will give your neck lots of coverage.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to give your skin maximum protection and avoid burning. Always apply 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply throughout the day, especially straight after swimming.
BONUS TIP – Invest in an SPF lip balm to protect your lips from sunburn.
