5 Surprising Benefits of Spending Time in the Sun

Spending time in the Sun has some amazing benefits for both body and mind. When the sun shines, get out there for few minutes at least and enjoy it.  Below are five health benefits of spending time in the sun:  

1. Vitamin D:  

• Most people in the western countries are suffering from a deficiency of vitamin D. Here, people spend far too much time indoors which results in less absorption of Vitamin D by our skin from the sun. 

• The sun's rays help our bodies to build up vitamin D, a vitamin which is vital for many bodily functions, including keeping bones and teeth healthy, and may also protect us against cancer, type-1 diabetes. Just 20 minutes with your arms, face and neck exposed is sufficient to get your daily quota of vitamin D, so take a walk and let your body top up its reserves.  

2. Vitamin N:  

• Spending some time outside in the sun also means you will be close to nature too.  Get out in your local park boost up your 'vitamin N' at the same time. There’s nothing more relaxing than the sight and smell of grasses, trees and flowers. 

• Always pay some attention of the flowers, grasses and leaves you see, and take time to watch the wildlife, even if it is just birds and squirrels.  Number of studies suggested that spending time in nature makes people happier, less anxious, and more relaxed. 

3. Reduces Stress:  

• Stress is the curse of our modern age people and probably it is the main reason behind the increases in a host of diseases.  Spending time in the sun reduces stress, so spend time outdoors in the sunshine and you will find that you are less stressed and happier. 

• Spending time in nature helps reduce anxiety and allows you to function effectively in your daily life.  Even a 15 minutes during your lunchtime spent out in the sun can improve your productivity and help you have less stress at work. 

4. Reduces Risk to Skin Cancer: 

• While you are at an increased risk of skin cancer if you burn your skin in the sun otherwise sunshine can actually help reduce your risk of developing other cancers, especially if you choose to exercise in the sunshine on daily basis. 

• By regular spending time in the sun, you will have a decreased risk of getting prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. 

5. Better Sleep: 

Sunshine also helps you sleep better.  Being out in the sunshine, especially if you do something relaxing or a little bit exercise in the sunshine, you will be more relaxed afterward and will have a better time sleeping later in the day. Just 20 minutes of sunshine per day has been found to help you get to sleep faster and will help you stay asleep longer.

Enjoy the sunshine this summer and remember that it is not the enemy and actually offers our bodies significant health and well-being benefits.