Important Reasons to Soak in a Little More Sun
By Genevieve Cunningham
It’s almost spring, which means that the sun is getting brighter, warmer, and more vibrant every day. While most of us (especially in the south!) love this time of year, we’ve also been warned about the dangers of too much sun. Excessive sun exposure can cause sun spots, wrinkles, and much worse conditions such as skin cancer. But on the other hand, the sun is actually incredibly good for us! Take a look at these reasons why you should consider soaking in some of those beautiful rays in a safe way.
First, How to Do It Safely
Before you jump out in the sun and get burned, make sure you’re taking some precautions. To safely soak in the sun, follow these precautions:
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Apply Sunscreen - Sunscreen is important to protect the skin. Apply first, then get in the sun, and you’ll still gain some benefit, but without those terrible side effects.
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Layer Up - Packing layers when you go outside is the perfect way to protect yourself. If ever you begin to get too much sun, you can throw on a hat, your glasses, and a cover up to protect yourself.
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Stay Near Shade - Excessive sun tends to sneak up on us. Try to stay near shade so that you can remove yourself from the light when necessary.
Now, The Benefits: The Sun Provides Necessary Vitamin D
Once you learn how to get some sun safely, it’s important to understand why you need it. The sun is one of our only sources of Vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin for overall health. While you can get Vitamin D from some foods, the list is incredibly small, and the sun remains the biggest provider. A lack of Vitamin D can cause depression, aches in the bones, an inability to concentrate, and many other unwanted side effects. Getting out in the sun is the first step in getting enough.
And Yet Another: The Sun is a Mood Booster
There is a reason that rainy, dark places tend to be riddled with depression. Sun exposure has been linked to more positive moods. It lifts our spirits and gives our energy a boost. After winter, our bodies crave that light. Getting in the sun may help you leave the winter time blues behind and feel better than ever both mentally and physically.
If you’re scared of too much sun exposure, make sure that you follow the precautions and increase the time spent outdoors slowly. But definitely don’t miss out on the incredible benefits of getting out in the sun. With some simple safety measures, you can protect your skin while still reaping the healthy benefits of getting some much needed sun.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.