A number of weather conditions (mainly humidity, temperatures, dusty atmosphere and lack of sun) mess our brain chemistry. For example sunshine gives us serotonin (a chemical which makes us feel happy) and so when there is little sunshine (especially when the sun is covered by a uniform grey cloud or a red hue due to airborne fine desert sand) the levels of serotonin in our brain dip, thus making us feel a bit down. These affects are obviously felt more by people who already are experiencing depression or other related conditions. The fluctuation in brain chemical can trigger headaches and sometimes also migraines.

Very often, the Sun has the reputation for only leaving a negative impact on our health, when in fact, its benefits are many. Like many things in life, sunshine should be enjoyed in moderation.

Some positive impacts

  • It enhances your mood. Being in the Sun can help people feel better and more energetic. Sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is associated with improved mood. Not surprisingly, serotonin levels are highest in the summer months.
  • It helps relieve stress. Life in itself induces stress. Be it through work, family or health related issues. Stress can be relieved in various ways. One of them is through exposure to sunlight.
  • It helps treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. In some people, the lack of sunlight in winter can trigger depression. Symptoms include bad moods, difficulty making and keeping friends, overeating, tiredness and sleeping far too much.
  • It improves sleep quality. Exposure to sunlight impacts how much melotonin your body produces. Melotonin is the chemical that tells your brain when it is time to sleep. With a lack of sunlight, your body produces far more melotonin than is needed. Hence, you feel tired and ready to sleep more often and earlier.
  • It provides you with Vitamin D. It is often referred to as the sun vitamin. Vitamin D is involved in maintaining a healthy body. One way you can get this vitamin is exposure to the ultraviolet light from the sun.

You don’t need much time in the sun to take advantage of these benefits. Only 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure is all you need. Why not spend your break-time at work in the Sun?