Why to bask out in the sun this summer?

 Its time to shine when the sun shines!

Care to join us in our sunny adventure this season? No, I am not talking about a beachy gateway or a playful picnic. But about leaving your house and hitting the streets to bask in the hues of sunshine. It may seem weird to go out to sweat, but sunshine has several benefits that can work wonders for our health, skin, and mind.

Rewards of shiny rays

• Uplifts your mood

Ever heard of serotonin? it’s a feel-good hormone that boosts our mood. Well, exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of serotonin and thus changes our mood from dreary to lively. Therefore, it is more likely to spot a smiley in your face when you are lounging in the sun.

• Build those bones

The ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes the body to create vitamin D. Vitamin D is required for the consumption of calcium which ultimately builds strong bones. So, drink up a cup of milk and wander out to strengthen those bones.

• Welcome nourishing skin

Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, jaundice, and acne can be treated organically through light therapy. The itchy and rough patches of skin is cleared through the sun’s ultra-violet rays.

• Bid adieu to an unhealthy body

Sunlight helps to lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. It also minimizes the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The reason for these can be the conversion of cholesterol into steroid hormones, the increased ability to provide nitric oxide in the body and the production of vitamin D. Therefore, prevent the need to swallow those capsules and go feel the sun.

• Purify yourself from within

Sunlight strengthens the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, it also helps in cleaning blood and increasing blood circulation in vessels. It kills harmful bacteria and is even known to improve brain function. Moreover, it also prevents the body from many types of cancer that develop because of the lack of sunlight.

• Stay spirited

Sunlight enhances the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to tissues, thus it increases the oxygen content in human blood. Exposure to the sun also releases cortisol which increases the metabolism of the body, thus boosting energy. So, chuck out those energy drinks and venture outside to replenish your body.

Precautions

While sunlight does have various benefits, it can also harm the skin if certain points are not considered.

• Do not go out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as the rays are more direct during this time and can cause sunburn.
• It is advised that 5-15 minutes of sunlight for 2-3 times a week is enough for efficient boosting of vitamin D.
• Try to shield yourself with sun protection cream with higher SPF.  The right hair sunscreen and body sunscreen with the right amount of SPF protects you from harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun. P.S.- Look for broad-spectrum ultraviolet protection.

So, this summer do not coop up inside your house with the blinds drawn and air conditioning on, but go outside and enjoy the benefits of the glowing sun.

 Author
Jigyasha Jain