10 Simple Health Practices: Getting Sufficient Sunlight Exposure

You are surprised isn’t it? Yes, I am serious. Getting enough sunlight exposure is important to for good health. Sufficient sunlight exposure provides us with our Vitamin D needs. Have you wondered why the word ‘sunny’ means vibrancy and cheerfulness? Sunlight actually activates our mind and body giving us more energy.

That is why parents always draw the curtains open when they are trying to wake their children in the morning. Research has shown that exposing depressed people to more sunlight actually helps alleviate their depression. Of course, if you are an avid beach visitor, this may not be applicable to you. However as most average adult lifestyle tends to be hectic due to heavy work responsibilities, most of us actually spend more time facing the computer screen and not getting the necessary amount of sunlight.

Here are some ways on how we can get more sunlight exposure without being excessive:

1. Play More Outdoor Activities
An active person tends to be healthier than the less active one. Most outgoing active people who enjoy more outdoor activities which include sports and exercise are improving not only their health and fitness; they are also getting the necessary amount of sunlight exposure. Not to mention they also manage to get themselves a nice glowing tan, which makes them the envy of others.

2. Take A Walk Out During Breaks
During lunch breaks, some of us may have more time left after our lunches. Most of the time, you will prefer to sit down with your colleagues at the food court and chat till break time is over before heading back to work. How about encouraging your colleagues to take a short walk with you after lunch when there is still time instead of sitting down? By walking we are actually aiding our digestion, which actually makes us less sleepy after a meal. In this way, we are also getting the necessary amount of sunlight needed.

3. Waking Up Earlier During Weekends
Make a point to wake up 15 minutes earlier during weekends. With this extra time, you can actually take a nice stroll when the sun is rising. Feel the sunlight, basking and flowing into you while the sun is still young. The feeling is great and it will give you great energy for your weekend activities.

4. Convert Your Indoor Activities to Outdoor Activities
If you exercise regularly (which you should), there are many opportunities for you to get more sunlight exposure. For instance, instead of doing aerobics in your room or gym, go out to the park in the morning or in the late afternoon, and do your aerobics there instead. Not only will you sweat and workout more due to the heat (which optimizes your exercise’s effectiveness), you also get more sunlight exposure.

Getting a sufficient amount of sunlight actually helps not just in our Vitamin D intake; it also helps in regulating our mood and energy. Love the sun and have a sunny smile everyday!