Why You Should Still Make Time to Get in the Sun
By Genevieve Cunningham
For really long time now, we've been told to stay out of the sun. We've been told of the dangers of sun exposure. We've been told to slather on the sunscreen liberally. And while it's true that too much sun exposure can be bad for us, it's also true that we need the sun in our lives. If you've completely abandoned getting in the sunshine, take a look at these good reasons why you should still make time to get in the sun and some tips for doing it in a safe way.
For Vitamin D
Our main source of Vitamin D is exposure to the sun. We literally soak Vitamin D into our skin through the sun's rays. If we don't get enough of this essential vitamin, we may experience pain in the bones, depression, moodiness, and other significant negative impacts on our health. You don't have to get outside for hours and hours at a time. Plan a few minutes a day every day, and you may be able to get the Vitamin D that you need while still keeping your body safe.
For Better Moods
The sun makes us happy. There's something about getting in the sunshine that can significantly lift moods. If you find that you’re in a bad mood, walking outside and breathing the fresh air can turn it around almost instantly. But if you're not getting outside, then you may experience poor moods or mood swings consistently. To nip this in the bud, simply put on some sunscreen and get outside every day. Even a small amount of exposure is enough to beat your bad moods and keep you feeling happy on a daily basis.
For Your Skin
It's absolutely true that too much sun exposure can cause problems for your skin. In a worst-case scenario it can lead to skin cancer. In less severe situations, too much sun exposure can still lead to premature wrinkling of the skin and age spots. And no one wants any part of any of those problems. But completely avoiding the sun is also problematic. A little bit of sun is actually good for our skin. It helps us to soak in the Vitamin D, and it can also help to keep the skin clear from blemishes. Put on sunscreen first thing in the morning and spend some time outside later in the day. Let the sun lightly touch your skin, and then get back out of the sun before you burn. When done in the right way, getting some time in the sun can maximize the health of your skin while still keeping you safe from its harmful effects.
You don't have to be afraid of the sun. You have to respect it, and you have to understand how it works, but you don't have to be afraid of it. Get a little bit of sun in your life. You may be surprised at the positive benefits that it brings to your mental and physical well-being. Be safe with sunscreen, shade, and layers, but keep the sun in your life for a healthier lifestyle overall.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aiken, S.C.