Seriously…who needs it?!
After all, living in Alaska for nearly 8 summers made me think that I could possibly live without sunshine! Tsk…shame on me. I’m perpetuating the stereotype that Alaska gets continual rain, and overcast weather. And it does it get its fair share of that. But the truth is that Alaska can also have absolutely stunning, gorgeous summer days. Some summers the sunshine can last for several months, and other summers Alaska may have only a few weeks total worth of scattered sunshine. On those sparsely sunny summer days, we would leave work early (if possible) and head out on a walk, trying to soak up every last drop of Vitamin D that we could.
Fast forward….
Now, we live in the land of constant sunshine. Living in the mountains of Central Mexico, we are blessed with gorgeous weather nearly 12 months of the year. When visiting the US a few months ago, a family member said to me,
“You’re looking great! What’s the difference?”
“Sunshine!” I replied.
And I know it’s true.
It’s now Fall (can you believe it’s nearly mid-October?!), and many places in the US are already receiving snow and dreary weather. I have sympathy for those who are now giving up their outdoor activities and moving indoors to stay warm, eat soup, and put on an extra 10 pounds for the winter months. After all, I was one of those people just a year ago.
But alas, as the Mexican summer heads into the Mexican Fall, I am reminded of why I live here! I look forward to the winter months, because I know they may only bring a 5-10 degree change to my daily routine, and will in fact give me sunnier skies than the rainy summer months.
“January Blues” are a thing of the past. Winter depression? No problemo! But WHY?
What is so special about the magic ingredient of SUNSHINE?!
First off…sunshine is a basic ingredient of LIFE. Sunshine makes plants grow, and helps provide us with essential vitamins.
Why should you invest in SUNSHINE?
Because it…
-Enhances your immune system
-Stimulates your appetite and improves digestion, elimination and metabolism
-Increases healthy circulation
-Is a natural healing agent
-Helps to balance your hormones
-Lowers your pain levels
-Increases production of chemicals in your brain (helping you feel good)
-Helps to give you a healthier complexion
-Improves the function of your liver
-Stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D, which protects you from diseases
-Helps motive you to be more active
-It will help you be happier!
If that isn’t reason enough, then I don’t know what is.
And don’t get me wrong… I’m not saying you need to move further South to experience more sun.
The truth is that even when the sun isn’t shining, UV rays make it through the clouds and still give you the important benefits of sunshine.
Moral of the story?
Get out of the house! Get out of the office during lunch!
TAKE A WALK, and enjoy soaking in a little bit of happiness and health along the way!!
P.S. A word from the experienced, however…please don’t get too much sun!!
5 Responses to “How important is sunshine?”
That sunburn looks painful.
Depending on whereabouts in Australia people live, anywhere from 50 – 80% of Australians are apparently vitamin D deficient. Must be terrible for those in Alaska!
It’s true…they actually suggest that people take Vitamin D supplements, and I’ve even been given Vitamin D drops for newborns! Ugh!!
Mmm sunshine. It did get a bit old when we lived in Vegas though. I don’t mind a rainy day here and there.
Yeah, Vegas is a whole different story. I believe in sunshine, but I also believe in WATER. 😉
Actually, from what I’ve read, the UV rays from sunshine only make a difference from Atlanta and south of there. If you live in the northern states, you can go outside all you want, but you’re not going to get enough Vitamin D out of it to make you happy.
Glad I live in Atlanta!