“Solar Prescription” Busts through Bad Moods
Can you feel it?
Summertime is just around the corner, and I can’t wait for it to arrive.
Here in Arizona, summer temps can often soar to over 100 degrees.
In fact, it’s downright sweltering—and I personally couldn’t be happier about it.
I love sweating out the toxins and soaking in the cold water of the natural springs near my home.
I also love soaking in the extra hours of sunlight. It makes me happy.
And if you’ve been feeling down in the dumps—like you still can’t shake the winter blues—you’ll want to follow my lead and head outside.
Why? Well, sunlight is a natural antidote for anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
In one study, researchers observed over 16,000 adults across 19 different weather variables. They found that sun exposure is linked to a significant drop in anxiety and other negative emotions.
I call it a “solar prescription,” and the results don’t surprise me a bit. After all, sunlight directly impacts hormone production.
- It boosts serotonin, a hormone that triggers feelings of happiness and contentment.
- Plus, it reduces melatonin, the sleep hormone that causes feelings of drowsiness and lowers energy.
In other words, simple sunlight makes you feel happier and more energetic. Plus, it’s proven to fight off sadness and anxiety.
But if you’re hidden away indoors it doesn’t matter how long the days—or how much sunlight there is.
You have to be outside in direct sunlight to soak up its benefits.
Because of the changing spectrums of light, the sun provides varying benefits at different points throughout the day. So, aim to head outdoors at sunrise, midday, and as the evening sets in.
Linking your outdoor time to activities you enjoy can help you stick to your new routine.
Perhaps drink your coffee as the sun rises, lay by the pool in the afternoon, and walk the dog in the evening (my dog Nash loves our end-of-the-day walks).
P.S. Research reveals THIS natural drink is surprisingly effective at lowering the risk of anxiety and depression—and promoting feelings of happiness..
SOURCE:
Mead MN. Benefits of sunlight: a bright spot for human health. Environ Health Perspect. 2008 Apr;116(4):A160-7. doi: 10.1289/ehp.116-a160. Erratum in: Environ Health Perspect. 2008 May;116(5):A197. PMID: 18414615; PMCID: PMC2290997.
