The warmth of the sunshine is a wonderful thing. The reason your body needs Vitamin D is to be able to absorb calcium from the intestines to support healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D is created in the body when exposed to the sun due to chemical reactions from skin level that create cell responses to produce this essential vitamin.
What is the optimal amount of time in the sun for safe exposure?
Aim for 15 minutes per day. If you are going to be out for a prolonged amount of time make sure to protect yourself with sunblock as well as a hat, sunglasses, and find shade when possible.
“Most sunblock agents take 10-20 minutes to work, if you apply it and go immediately out in the sun, you will get what experts view as a beneficial amount of direct sun exposure.” – Forbes Article
How can you ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin D without exposing yourself to the harsh effects of sun damage?
Is sun exposure the best source of Vitamin D? Yale researchers debunk this often thought of myth by outlining that it is not the best source. You do not need to go out into the sun for certain prolonged periods of time. Being outdoors from time to time will produce enough Vitamin D and if you need you can take a supplement rather than over-long exposure and putting yourself at risk for sun damage or skin cancer.
You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D from other sources than sunlight such as foods like eggs and salmon as well as in the form of a supplement.
It’s important to note that being out in the sunshine can offer an array of health benefits – both physically with Vitamin D production but also mentally as it can help boost your mood by enhancing serotonin production and balancing your circadian rhythm. You do not need to be in direct sunlight to reap these benefits. Just by being outdoors and exposed to sunshine can offer a boost in mood.
“Studies generally focus on the brain chemical that’s most directly linked to mood, serotonin: higher levels of serotonin correlate with better mood and feelings of satisfaction and calmness, and lower levels link to depression and anxiety.” – Time Article
Getting enough sun during the day can improve your sleep at night. More sun equals more melatonin, the hormone for regulating your sleep cycle. During the winter months when getting out into the sun can be challenging or possibly non-existent you can opt to take a Vitamin-D supplement to avoid deficiency.
Overall getting that burst of sunshine can improve your health in many ways. Always take precautions and if anything, just get outdoors. Allow the sunshine to pour in through your windows when you first wake. Sit outside in a comfy chair with your cup of coffee in the morning. Take a quick walk around the block with your dog. Enjoy a picnic at your favorite park. Take a drive to the beach, go for a hike, spend some time sitting by a lake. Be creative in your sunshine endeavors. Notice how you feel when you bask in the sunlight – even for a few moments!