The 9 Pillars of Health series: Sunlight.
We owe so much to the Sun. It provides us with light, nourishment, and life, and it regulates our hormones and circadian rhythm. Yet, we’ve been taught to be afraid of it.
The benefits of sunlight exposure are numerous:
Vitamin D Production: Essential for bone health and immune function.
Improved Mood: Boosts serotonin levels, helping you feel calm and focused.
Better Sleep: Regulates your circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality.
Lower Blood Pressure: Triggers the release of nitric oxide, which can lower blood pressure.
Pain Relief: UVB rays stimulate the production of beta-endorphins, natural pain relievers.
Enhanced Immune System: Boosts your body’s ability to fight off infections.
Additionally, being in the sunlight often means spending time outside, ideally in nature. This brings its own set of benefits, which are often missing from the daily routines of many adults today.
The lack of sunlight and outdoor time is linked to poor performance in all the areas mentioned above. We see this reflected in society today with weak immune systems, autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, and widespread vitamin D deficiency. Despite these issues, we continue to spend less time in the Sun and outdoors.
Being indoors has its own problems. People often complain about a lack of movement and inspiration. So, despite all these benefits, why do people still avoid being outside?
One reason is technology. Work on computers, entertainment on phones and tablets, and dramatic shows on TV all contribute to staying indoors. The convenience of having things delivered to your doorstep also reduces the need to go outside.
Another reason is fear of the Sun. Despite spending less time outside, cases of skin cancer have increased. Interestingly, the number of diagnoses is higher in places outside the tropics and among populations that spend less time in the Sun. This paradox raises questions about our relationship with sunlight.
Sunlight is a Pillar of Health with one of the highest returns on investment among the nine pillars. A 30-minute walk outside, soaking up sunlight, feeling the earth, and hearing the birds, without distractions, is one of the best uses of your time. Sometimes, it’s even better than a workout.
So, let’s get tan together!
