Hellooooo! 👋 Welcome to my blog! Hope you’re doing great. In this post, I’m going to talk about a little something good you can do for yourself: SUNBATHINGGGG! ☀️

You know how the internet is constantly buzzing about the dangers of the sun, warning us to stay out of it and slather on sunscreen? But somehow, no one ever really talks about the benefits of the sun. Of course, just like with most things, too much sun can be harmful, but it also has so many benefits! ✨ So, if you’re ready, let’s dive into the good stuff our day-brightening sun brings us.

One of the most well-known benefits of the sun is its role in vitamin D synthesis. Our skin produces vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. And the benefits of vitamin D for our bodies are pretty extensive! It helps strengthen bones by increasing calcium absorption and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. 💪 It boosts our immune system, helping our bodies fight off infections. Plus, it supports the proper development of cells.

The Sunshine Serotonin Boost 😊

Another awesome benefit of sunlight is its ability to improve our mood by increasing levels of serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone.” It can boost motivation and even alleviate symptoms of depression. It’s also super helpful for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I don’t know about you, but I definitely get a bit down during the winter months. My mood is just lower compared to summer, and my energy isn’t as high. That’s actually why summer is my favorite season! 🏖️ So, for people who might experience this more intensely, exposure to sunlight can really help lift their spirits. Oh, and here’s a bonus tip: sunlight can also aid in focus.

Sleep Better, Live Better 😴

Sunlight also contributes to the quality of our sleep by regulating the production of melatonin, the hormone secreted at night. Getting sunlight in the mornings helps us feel awake and energetic throughout the day.

Now, you might be thinking, “But isn’t sunlight also really bad for our skin?” 🤔 And “What are the best times to get sun exposure?” Don’t worry, I looked into that for all of us!

The most intense and harmful hours for sun exposure are reportedly between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. To protect yourself from skin cancer and sunburn, it’s generally recommended to avoid direct sun exposure during these times. The safest times to sunbathe are before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM. 🌅

However, the most intense period for vitamin D synthesis is between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This is when UVB rays are most direct. So, it’s suggested that brief sun exposure, about 15-20 minutes, during this window can be beneficial. ✅

Finding the Sweet Spot for Sun Exposure

So, to sum it up, the ideal times are: 15-20 minutes between 11 AM and 3 PM with exposed arms and legs (and yes, still using sunscreen!). Or, if you want longer sun exposure, aim for before 10 AM or after 4 PM.

Even though some say sunscreen might slightly reduce vitamin D synthesis, I personally don’t think it’s a good idea to sunbathe without it, especially when protecting yourself from harmful rays is so important. 🚨

So, the sun doesn’t just brighten our days or warm our hearts; it also works wonders for our health! ❤️ I hope you found this post helpful. Thanks for reading, and I wish you many sunny, energy-filled days! 🌞

Finding yourself saying, “I sleep so much, but I’m never rested”? Then head straight to my related article: The Biology of Quality Sleep: https://ervasblog.com/the-biology-of-quality-sleep-nrem-rem-stages-melatonin-and-ways-to-wake-up-more-refreshed/

To make sunbathing a breeze in your garden or on your balcony, I’m sharing a link to a fantastic sun lounger: https://amzn.to/4io4VYc – https://amzn.to/3MpeGti