It’s science! While spending time outdoors has been proven to have dramatically positive effects on your overall health, the sun has gotten a bad reputation. Of course, over-exposure can have negative consequences, but spending time in the sun, be it reading on your patio or swimming in your backyard pool, has many positive benefits as well. So, the next time you’re thinking about how to spend a summer afternoon, consider putting on some sunscreen and soaking up some rays. Here’s why…
Boost Your Immune System
Your skin reacts to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun. One of the biggest ways it does so is by creating vitamin D. Your immune system relies on vitamin D to stay strong and healthy, so getting a daily dose of sunshine can go a long way to improving your health and resisting illness.
Sleep Better
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Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin production—the same chemical that’s responsible for making you sleepy—in your body. Spending time in the sun can reinforce your body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep when it comes time to go to bed. It’s been shown that even a lunchtime gardening session can improve your ability to sleep that night.
Get a Workout
While it’s not the same as pumping iron at the gym or getting your heart rate up at spin class, sweating in the sun while swimming, reading, or gardening still increase the oxygen content in your blood. The more sun you get, the higher the ability of your body to pass oxygen through the blood to your muscles.
Improve Your Mood
Serotonin not only helps you fall asleep faster but also elevates your mood throughout the day. According to a recent Healthline article, “The light-induced effects of serotonin are triggered by sunlight that goes in through the eye. Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin.”
Having a beautiful outdoor living space gives you even more of a reason to spend time outside. Something as simple as grilling steaks for dinner or reading by the pool can greatly improve your overall health. Start planning your patio today with our free catalog.