1. You’ll feel better. Sensibly exposing your skin to the sun helps your body release endorphins – the feel good hormones that are responsible for the “runner’s high.” This is also a part of the reason why sunlight exposure helps those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
2. It could help reduce cancer risk. There’s a growing body of evidence that suggests vitamin D could help reduce the risk of 17 different cancers! Vitamin D, is produced as a result of sun exposure. Again, the key here is sensible and moderate sun exposure. Just a few minutes every day is usually enough to get the vitamin D you need.
3. It could support your heart health! Exciting new research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that your body actually produces nitric oxide – a powerful vasodilator – when you are exposed to sunlight. Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels relax, as a result lowering blood pressure and letting blood flow more freely.
4. You may sleep better. Getting out into the sun maintains your circadian rhythm – your wake/sleep cycles. By going out into the sun, you let your body “do its thing.” Far too many people work in dim environments. That, combined with almost no sun exposure, can cause sleep problems.
5. It could reduce the risk of melanoma. The Lancet Journal found that healthy sun exposure can actually help prevent skin cancer! The main reason? It seems that vitamin D – which you get from the sun, is responsible for the protective effects.