Not only is the sun a driving force for our entire solar system, but it has a direct affect on our mental and physical well-being. Crucial vitamins and hormones are created from time spent in the sun. And while sitting under direct sunlight for hours on end is far from good, a few minutes a day is all you need to reap the benefits.

1. It Makes You Feel Good

little bit of sunlight on your skin – just 15 minutes per day – helps to release “happy hormones” in your brain, making you feel good almost immediately. Serotonin is responsible for this mood-boost after a dose of sun. So beat those winter blues (AKA seasonal affective disorder) and get your daily vitamin D dose from the sun.

2. It Helps You Sleep Better

Ever heard of the circadian rhythm? Think of it as our body’s inner clock. Our hormones send signals to our brain throughout different times of the day to signal our sleep-wake cycle. Getting a few minutes of sunshine every day keeps our built-in time clock aligned, helping us rest easier at night and rise in the morning. Of course, there are other tricks and tips to operating on an optimal circadian rhythm, like putting our phones down and avoiding heavy meals a few hours before bed. But catching a few minutes of natural sunshine is the easiest way to be on a better sleep-wake cycle.

3. It Helps to Lower Blood Pressure

Nitric oxide is the star of the show here. When sunlight hits the skin, our blood vessels widen as the nitric oxide makes its way into the bloodstream, helping to lower blood pressure. While the effects are subtle, a few minutes of sunlight a day paired with a healthy lifestyle has the potential to make a difference in your body’s blood pressure levels.

Interested in more lifestyle tips and tricks? Make your way over to check out other blog posts from Wimberly at Deerwood.