Caring for Creation ~ The Enduring Benefits of Sunshine!

For thousands of years, we lived our lives in the Sun and by the timing of sunrise and sunset.  Then, as we became more "civilized" and modern, we have been spending more time inside with "artificial" lighting.  We have been trying to fool our bodies and emotions that artificial light is the same as real Sunshine. and has the same benefits as the Real Thing.!

 

As you know in our more recent history we have heard that Sunlight is not "good for our skin".  However, it is not true that Sunlight is our enemy.  Many current studies have shown how important Sunshine is for our emotional and physical well-being.  I have included a short list of benefits.  These are well-established, based on thorough scientific studies.  Since we are having winter weather here in the northern hemisphere, we have shorter days, longer nights, and cooler to colder temperatures.  The result is that most of us are not getting outside.  So we are not exposed to enough Sunshine this time of year.

 

Human Beings need Sunshine!  For centuries, we have lived, played, worked, hunted and fished, and grown food out of doors in Sunshine.  As a result, we tended to be more resilient, slept better, exercised more, and were generally stronger.  There were many ways in which we were healthier.

 

I am including a short list of a few well-established health benefits of Sunshine.  During the rest of winter, we will explore more of these.  Here are three important results of being outside in Sunshine.  We have covered some of these benefits before, and they are worth reviewing.

 

1.  Improved Sleep ~ the quality and to some extent the length of our sleep can be extended by exposure to early morning Sunshine.  Serotonin helps wake us up in the morning by acting as a neurotransmitter that signals alertness in the brain, particularly when stimulated by sunlight exposure. When the retina of our eyes is exposed to early morning sunshine, it triggers the production of serotonin so we feel more alert and present.  Serotonin promotes wakefulness, then melatonin is produced from serotonin, encouraging us to turn off the inside lighting and to go to bed.  Melatonin plays a role in both sleep and wake cycles.  Serotonin and Melatonin can be produced "naturally" by regular exposure to early morning Sunshine!  This is how humans have been falling asleep and waking up for centuries!

 

2.  Sunshine also functions as an anti-depressant for the same reason it "wakes" us up in the morning.  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that strengthens alertness and our sense of well-being.  So we engage more fully in our lives.  We benefit along with everyone around us!

 

Sunshine is also considered an effective antidepressant and can be used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  SAD is a condition associated with winter and the lack of exposure to sunshine, especially early in the day.  Some people use special full-spectrum inside lights to mimic Sunlight.  These light treatments can be even more effective when combined with being outside, weather permitting.

 

3.  Scientific studies are also showing that Sunshine therapy can clear up skin conditions like psoriasis.  These studies have shown that exposure to Sunshine for 30 minutes a day can reduce psoriasis within 5 to 6 weeks.  Exposure to Sunlight also improves our immune function, improving our resistance to infections and seasonal conditions.

 

Since the 1960s, we have heard that exposure to Sunshine is not good for our skin.  However, current research is showing that regular exposure to Sunshine is healthy for us.  Remember that Sunshine is full-spectrum light.  We are just beginning to understand the numerous benefits that are available.

 

So, try getting at least 30 minutes of morning Sunshine, earlier is better, unless it is too cold.  Do some research for yourself and see what results you find over the next several weeks. 

 

Have a Wonderful Week and take good care of yourself!