Harness the power of the sun

In this week's challenge you must get outside and soak in the sun . Shorter days and less sunlight during winter can lead to stress, exhaustion, and lower serotonin levels (a.k.a. the chemicals that make us feel happy). Because of this, it's vital to get enough vitamin D either through direct sunlight or healthy foods and vitamin supplements. Plus, natural sunlight helps to sync up our circadian rhythms and promotes deeper, more restorative sleep. Take advantage of sunny days and get outside, even if only for a few minutes. The boost of sunlight can have a transformational effect on your mood and energy levels.

Health Benefits of Sunlight:

1. It boosts your immune system and prevents disease

   A study from Georgetown University found when your skin is exposed to the sun sans sunscreen, those rays increase the movement of your T cells, which help keep your immune system strong. Separately, the vitamin D your body produces through sunlight also does a lot of good for you overall health. “Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin with strategic sun exposure, enabling the body to build bones, tame inflammation, and boost immunity,” writes Frank Lipman, MD. “Vitamin D is also thought to play a key role in preventing a number of cancers, including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, skin, prostate, and colon.” Most docs (who are proponents of going out in the sun without SPF) say that you only need about 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to do the trick.



2. It keeps your mood up

   If you feel down in the winter, you’re not alone—at all. Half a million people in the United States have seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—which is just as serious as other forms of depression—and 10 to 20 percent of people deal with a less severe case of the winter blues, says the Cleveland Clinic. Sunlight has been shown to help improve your mood, helping keep those feel-good vibes going strong all year long.



3. It energizes you

   In addition to boosting your mood, sunlight is also responsible for improving your energy levels—AKA the complete opposite of how you feel on those sleepy dark and gloomy days. When your eyes detect light, that tells your brain to wake up and release the cortisol you need to increase your metabolism and get through your day



4. It could help you live longer

   Living a longer, happier life could simply mean making sure you get in some sunlight year-round. In one study, researchers found women who got the least amount of sun exposure over a 20-year period had a mortality rate that was twice as high as those who had the highest amount of sun exposure. Even though it’s cold outside, making an effort to get your sun fix is so important for your health. Just remember to slather on the SPF if you’re outside longer than 15 minutes.

Suggested Reading:

Benefits of sun during winter - Learn more here.

7 Health Benefits of Sunlight - Learn more here.