Hello Sunshine

"The sun, the bright sun, that brings back, not light alone, but new life, and hope, and freshness to man, burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory." - Charles Dickens

We have hit a bit of a heatwave across the country. Here in the Pacific Northwest, where I live this isn't always the norm. So even more reason to get out and enjoy it when we can! 

You just gotta love a nice bright sunshiny day. Both literally and figuratively.  Like the lyrics from the song I Can See Clearly Now "I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day." 

Our days just seem much better when the sunshine is out. In the summertime, there are more hours of sunlight. So naturally we tend to be generally happier and feel better when the days are longer because there's more available sunshine. We are more likely to get out and do things in this environment. Doesn't it feel like that?

Have you ever thought about or wondered, however, if there is actually a link between sunshine and happiness? Studies have shown that there is a connection between sunshine and our mood, our thoughts, our behaviors, our actions and our overall well-being. As it turns out, the sun, and all the vitamins that come with it actually do make us feel happier whether we realize it or not.

Soaking in some sunshine has also been found to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, increasing our levels of happiness. Getting sunshine can help boost your serotonin levels, which is that feel-good hormone our body releases to regulate our mood. When we are experiencing increased serotonin levels it means feelings of anxiety are reduced and overall joy and happiness are boosted. So when we spend time in the sun our brain triggers the release of serotonin, improving our mood and making us feel good. And who doesn't want more of that?

Being outdoors in the sunshine can lift your spirits and reduce stress. A 2004 University of Michigan study on how weather affects mood found that people who spent at least 30 minutes outside in pleasant weather had happier moods. And in another corroborating U of M research study in 2014 found that being outside could lead to a better mindset and reduced stress. Just another reason to get outside to get some fresh air and some sunshine!

In fact, not only is getting some rays beneficial to your health, it’s actually pretty necessary. Being out in the sun is proven to make you healthier not just emotionally, but physically as well. It promotes healthier attitudes toward diet and exercise, and gives us the our dose of Vitamin D which can be hard to get from foods alone. Vitamin D promotes healthy cell and bone growth, reduces inflammation, and helps to stimulate immune function. Being exposed to the sun can lower blood pressure, create stronger bones and teeth, reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer, and can help to cure skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema as well as contribute to weight regulation. One of the pathways to health may be to spend more time in natural settings.

Research also show that you are likely to exercise more during the warmer months. What better way to exercise than outside in the sunshine? In the sunnier months people take up a more active lifestyle. Exercise can lead to a boost in endorphins – the same feel-good chemical that may come from warmer weather. There are a wider range of outdoor sports available when the sun is shining; it’s not much fun playing a tennis match in the dark and rain! How many times have you been looking forward to a run outside or yoga in the park, only to wake up to rain and gloom? No longer do you feel inspired to get your exercise on, and suddenly, your bed is looking a lot more welcoming than the outdoors.

Did you know that warm weather may also make you more inventive?  So it’s not just sunshine and happiness that are interlinked. Warm weather can also bring out our positivity and creative skills more. Studies found that being outdoors in enjoyable climates can improve memory and broaden cognitive style, which is linked to more creative thoughts.  I feel more creative already!

Finally, as ironic as this sounds, exposing ourselves to more sunlight can actually help us sleep better at night. And no, not just because long days of laying out on the beach make us sleepy (although it doesn’t hurt!), sunlight exposure also helps to regulate our sleep cycles. Restful sleep lowers the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of anxiety, irritability and even sadness. More sunshine leads to more sleep leading to more happiness. Bring it on!

We already know that things just naturally feel better when the sunshine is out.  But hopefully this gives you even more motivation to get outside and get some of that Vitamin D! Maybe go for a walk. Do some of that yard work you've been putting off.  Whatever it may be, take advantage of these sunshiny days! And remember, you don't need the 'physical' sun to bring a little sunshine to someone's day! Enjoy your day! 

Make today great!

Curtis

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." - James M. Barrie