It’s that time of year when the birds are singing and the sun is calling. We are naturally drawn to the outdoors during this time of year; however, we are spending fewer and fewer hours with Mother Nature. There are two major factors that contribute to our lack of sunlight exposure. Electronics have dominated leisure time and work time, whether it’s the cell phone in hand, desktop, laptop, or iPad, that’s where most spend their waking hours. The other contributing factor is long daylight hours are spent inside an office building and then we wearily drag ourselves home for down time in front of the tube or Face Book. With all the talk of the avoidance of sunlight, we don’t have the same urge we once had to spend every free moment soaking up the sun. But, before you resolve to spend your lunch hour inside a building, or go from your office building into your home for the evening, give the sun a moment’s consideration, there are more benefits than there are detriments.
The best known benefit of sunlight is that it boosts our vitamin D which regulates 1,000 genes and is believed to affect nearly every tissue in the body. The benefits of vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, helps maintain healthy teeth and bones, decreases symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder, and it is protective against many diseases including some cancers, heart disease, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Studies indicate that averages of 50% of individuals worldwide are vitamin D deficient. In the US studies indicate that three quarters of teens and adults are D deficient. While many think taking a supplement is sufficient enough, the most potent and effective source is our glorious sunlight.
Not only have we yielded to technologies for our leisure life, we have become driven to climate controlled buildings thus why we exercise, eat meals, and make use of our leisure time indoors. You may be surprised by the benefits of a little outdoor play for your mind and body. The benefits of outdoor leisure and exercise exceed even the indoor workouts. Outdoor exercise tends to be more strenuous on the body and expends more energy, there’s a higher measure of vitality, enthusiasm, pleasure and self-esteem. There is lower tension and more overall enjoyment; not to mention the perks of a good sweat. People report less fatigue following outdoor exercise verse indoor, and some studies even indicate there is a decrease in cortisol (stress hormone). I can’t help but believe there is a direct correlation with putting the body in motion in sunlight as what makes the significant difference. There’s a lot to be said for the perks of exercise and of Vitamin D; when you put them together the benefits soar.
So, instead of scrolling through Face Book during lunch or surfing the net, take that sandwich outside for a short walk. When you get home before retiring to the sofa, take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. And when you want a good healthy workout get outside and bike a few miles, hoof it out to your local hiking trails, hit a few tennis balls, shoot some hoops, or take part in a community sport. But for the health of your body and mind…A Little Activity in the Sun will go a long way!