Here Comes the Sun: Amazing Health Benefits From Mother Nature

What one thing can improve your sleep, lift your mood and decrease stress, increase energy, support bone health, support a healthy immune system, support a healthy metabolism and be completely free. The beautiful big ball in the sky that provides warmth to our planet, energy to plants, and makes life possible is often given a bad rap and shunned by so many. The truth is not enough sun exposure can be just as harmful as too much sun exposure. 

One of the primary benefits of sunlight is its ability to stimulate vitamin D production. Vitamin D deficiency is a major predisposing factor for many health issues. Studies show that vitamin D is needed to support strong bones, healthy immune response, and support balanced cholesterol. It makes one stop and think that as we have increased our avoidance of the sun, our vitamin D levels have plummeted, forcing many to supplement. Why not just let mother nature do what mother nature does best. Sunlight also stimulates a chemical called nitrous oxide which helps our blood vessels relax.

Recommendations to significantly restrict sun exposure may be doing more harm than good, especially in regions with limited sunshine. Many people continue to close their eyes to the fact that the advice they’ve been given about avoiding sun exposure doesn’t reflect the current science being studied. I often see parents putting sunscreen on their kids as soon as they step out the door or adults that wear long sleeves and big hats whenever they go outside. Though recent research doesn’t support this, it will take a while for the public policy to change and the message to get out that being sun-phobic is not the answer.

I love the feel of the sun on my skin, but more than anything, I love how my mood lifts when in the sun. Several studies have demonstrated that the sun increases serotonin levels, the feel-good hormone our brain produces. Mix that with a bit of citrus oil, and you’ve got yourself a simple natural happiness cocktail. Some of the results that people can experience from low levels of sun exposure include. Difficulty concentrating, low energy, loss of interest in daily activities, moodiness, and sleep issues. The sun helps us balance our circadian rhythms, keeping us in tune with nature.

There is no doubt that too much sun exposure can be damaging, but some sun exposure can benefit our health. How much is too much will depend on your skin type. The first thing we do not want to do is burn. So, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes may be enough to offer health benefits to most people. The early part of the day is the best time for sun exposure. Early morning non-direct sun helps set our internal clocks and with eye health. Seeing the natural light of the sun may help the brain work better. No, we are not staring into the sun but allowing the eyes to be exposed to natural outdoor light. 

As with anything, we need to rebalance the conversations around what is healthy and what is not. As the pendulum swings from getting that Coppertone tan to covering every inch of our bodies and remaining lily white. Let’s find the middle ground of absorbing the health benefits mother nature has provided and protecting us from excess damage.

Let’s talk more about how doTERRA’s® natural mineral sunscreen can help protect you from damage and enjoy the sun’s warmth.