How's your New Year going? We here at Glam Solider, a unique Boho Americana boutique in downtown Apex, North Carolina, have been hard at work. Unfortunately, the weather this past week made our New Year's resolution – to seek more sunlight every day - a little difficult. But hey, everyday is a new day with new challenges and we encourage you to join us in this new 2022 challenge. Read more to learn the 'hows' and 'whys' of the positive benefits of sunlight.
Soak Up Some Sun
Short gloomy days, long dark evenings, cold weather and more time spent indoors, can be hard on our bodies, minds, and souls. We’re more prone to all kinds of illness and depression in the colder months, and one of the best ways to improve our health this time of year is to (safely) soak up some sun.
Here are the main benefits of getting a little sunshine in your life:
Sunlight Improves Mood
Our serotonin levels can fall if we don’t get enough sun exposure, and this can lead to a higher risk of seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a common condition, and can affect people of any age group, including children.
We’re all affected by seasonal changes to some extent, and winter blues can creep up on even the most positive and jovial among us. Less natural light is one of the factors that can negatively affect people, with symptoms including lack of energy, depression, feeling constantly cold and listlessness. There are light therapies available, and sufferers can ask their doctors for advice on new treatments. But natural sunlight is the best, and so it’s important to get outside when you can.
Make the most of natural daylight by spending time outdoors in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. Early morning walks can also be beneficial. If you must stay inside, make sure to open all drapes or blinds, letting as much light into your living space as possible.
Sunshine Produces Vitamin D – The Sunshine Vitamin
Just like a plant needs sunlight to grow, the human body needs sunlight to remain healthy. The sun is the best source of Vitamin D - also called the sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is made in the skin after sun exposure and is an essential ingredient for strong immune systems, helping us fight diseases, including Covid 19. This nutrient keeps our bones, teeth, and muscles healthy and strong by regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous and can also boost weight loss and reduce symptoms of depression.
40% of American adults suffer from vitamin D deficiency and low levels of this essential vitamin are linked to serious health conditions such as osteoporosis and muscle weakness. Sun exposure is the best source of Vitamin D as very few foods contain enough amounts.
Just 15 minutes outside in the sun every day will provide enough vitamin D to keep you healthy, getting a light pink is ok but do not to burn!
Sunshine Can Help You Sleep Better
Research studies have revealed that exposure to natural light improves sleep quality, as sunshine regulates the circadian rhythm by telling the body when to increase and decrease melatonin levels. Exposure to sunlight can help us sleep more deeply and soundly and furthermore, the earlier in the morning we’re exposed the earlier we fall asleep at night. Morning sunlight exposure support melatonin production which peaks at our bedtime.
Can Sun Exposure Prolong Our Life?
A 20-year study conducted by the Journal of Internal Medicine which monitored 30,000 Swedish women, showed that those who spent more time in the sun lived six months to two years longer than those with less time in the sun. Scientists are continuing this line of research, but it looks like sunlight might be one of the keys to longevity.
Here at Glam Soldier, we’re committed to living well, living large, and living life to its fullest. To enjoy life, do good business, give back to the community, and commit to our families, we must first take care of our own health and wellbeing. Join us in this challenge and tell us how your get your sunlight when it's cold outside.
The Glam Soldier Army is always on call to answer all your fashion questions. We're located at 114 North Salem Street in Downtown Apex, North Carolina. Veteran owned and women owned, there's always a welcome in our little upstairs paradise, 25 steps up from street level. (919) - 267-6442.
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