NEGATE LIES ABOUT THE SUN - WE TRULY NEED IT FOR HEALTH

10 Benefits of Sunshine
You likely already know, sunshine lifts our spirit and our energy levels,
is essential for vitamin D production in our bodies (this hormone is essential to our health), and it is so beneficial to our mental health. 

Below, I share an edit from Daily Motivation on the benefits of sunshine including how it helps to improve sleep quality by helping with hormonal health.
​A challenge so many contend with.
Read on for ten benefits that matter so much with your health...

"The benefits of sunshine are truly endless. 
This shouldn’t be a huge surprise since our sleep-wake cycle technically revolves around the sun. While artificial light somewhat changed our sleep patterns, most of us sleep during the darkness of night and live life under the brightness of the sun.
But there’s more to it than that. So, let’s dig into it.


What Does Sunshine Do for Mental Health?
Sunshine can literally improve your mood and your mental health. This is no joke! 
As previously mentioned, our sleep-wake cycle revolves around the sun.
So, here’s what’s happening:

• Darkness stimulates the release of melatonin.
• This hormone helps you feel sleepy.

Thus, it’s way easier to fall asleep in a dark room than it is with bright lights bearing down on you. 
Exposure to sunlight, on the other hand, suppresses melatonin. But it also stimulates serotonin. In other words, when you expose yourself to sufficient sunlight, you boost your serotonin. As a result, you feel good.
Inevitably, this isn’t all that sun does for us...

1. You’ll sleep better.

As per the above, our circadian rhythm runs off the rising and setting of the sun. And as you might already know, your sleep quality and quantity spill over into all other aspects of your life. 
For instance, if you’re more tired, you might feel grumpier, and be more inclined to snap at your partner. This can seriously impact your quality of life interpersonally, as well as your overall health due to the many negative health effects associated to sleep deprivation.

2. You’ll feel better.

If sunlight helps stimulate serotonin… well, guess what?
With a bit of sun, you’re bound to feel that much better. According to experts, even just 15 minutes a day is enough to reap the benefits (Remember, if you’re exposed to the sun for long durations, it’s always a good idea to use sunscreen and other protective strategies!).

3. It improves bone health.

The sun’s rays help your body make vitamin D beneath the skin. And vitamin D helps the body properly absorb calcium and phosphate. As a result, you might just experience improved bone and tooth health.

4. It lowers blood pressure.

Exposure to sunlight may help your arteries dilate, leading to decreased blood pressure and improved blood flow. This can give your overall cardiovascular health a much-needed boost!

5. It decreases your risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

A recent study demonstrated that the benefits of sunlight may reduce key markers that lead to the development of metabolic syndrome (an umbrella term that involves a variety of health ailments, including high blood pressure, weight gain, high blood sugar, etc.).

6. It may reduce inflammation.

Sunlight is well-known to help with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
It’s even been thought to help various autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis."

Read more here directly from the source of this article for the rest of the tips. 
​https://www.dailymotivation.site/10-benefits-of-sunshine-compelling-reasons-you-should-get-some-sun/

Teri Gentes - Whole-self lifestyle wellness advocate:
"The sunshine is what I refer to as one of my most loyal and loving friends.  Spending time, outside in nature, embracing the sunshine is a practice I aim for daily and a gift I cherish."