Why You Need to Spend More Time in the Sun This Summer

Summer is now in full swing, and we all know that in the Northwest, those sunny days are numbered. If you’re missing out on this precious sunlight due to household chores and other indoor tasks, the time has come to set your priorities straight. Keep reading to learn why spending time in the sun is crucial and discover new ways to get outside.

How Sunlight Helps

Spending time in the sun can improve your well-being in the following ways.

Strengthens Your Immune System

When you spend time in the sun, your body produces vitamin D, which is necessary to keep your immune system going strong. A lack of vitamin D can also increase your likelihood of developing an autoimmune disorder. When paired with proper sunscreen practices, spending time in the sun can be an easy way to stay healthy!

Keeps Your Bones and Teeth Healthy

As long as you consume enough calcium, sun exposure can help keep your bones and teeth strong. This is because vitamin D makes it easier for your bones to absorb calcium. Having a vitamin D deficiency can even make you more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Potentially Helps You Live Longer

According to a study that followed nearly 30,000 Swedish women for 20 years, those who spent the most time in the sun lived an average of 0.6 to 2.1 years longer than the sun avoiders, primarily because they were less likely to have developed cardiovascular disease and other noncancer illnesses. Although the study’s authors can’t confirm direct causation, they do think that sunshine exposure may improve cardiovascular health.

Makes You Happier

Spending time in the sun causes your brain to release more serotonin, a hormone responsible for improving mood and focus. If you don’t get enough sunshine, your serotonin levels may drop, increasing your risk of major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern (depression caused by seasonal changes).

To keep your spirits high this summer, get outside and enjoy the sun!

How to Spend More Time Outside

We know that when the sun comes out, the number of items on your to-do list doesn’t decrease. To get outside without neglecting your responsibilities, consider hiring a personal assistant to handle some of your household management, chores, errands, and whatever else is keeping you indoors.