Now the mornings are brightening up again, it is a perfect time to be taking advantage of getting that morning sunlight and upping our exposure to outdoor light for improved overall wellbeing. Why? Because a whole slew of benefits accompany it.

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

Anthony J D’Angelo

There really is a reason why people’s moods improve come spring.

Sunlight has long been known to play a role in improving mood and mental health. In addition to helping those with seasonal affective disorder, natural sunlight can benefit those with major depression. Spending at least 30 minutes a day in sunlight is considered optimal. An early morning walk can offer those same benefits as light therapy. Serotonin and melatonin regulation, two mechanisms associated with light therapy, play key roles in mood, depression, and cognitive function. Not only can it ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, it even seems to play a protective role in preventing them.

Don’t let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow. Live for today.

Nandina Morris

Morning light reduces melatonin production, which can make you more awake during the day and help you to function better. Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, thus enhancing mood and wellbeing. As well, natural light exposure at the same time of day can help regulate our internal clock and sync our sleep cycle, which can result in a better quality sleep.

Vitamin D and achieving its benefits from sunlight is no secret. After all, it is nicknamed the sunshine vitamin. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to poor mental health, and can cause a number of physical issues such as bone and muscle problems. And those who live in higher latitude areas are most at risk for these low levels. As well, the skin’s ability to make vitamin D decreases with age and those with darker skin tones may need more. Indeed, a staggering 70 – 97% of Canadians have demonstrated vitamin D insufficiency. Though sun exposure is not the only source of vitamin D, which can also be accessed through food or supplements, it is one of the best sources and the most natural way to do so. A small but regular amount of sun is all we need at certain times of the year. Indeed, the spring and summer is the time to achieve this naturally – as little as 10 minutes a day is needed to also achieve it safely.

Sunlight for thought…