Sunlight Provides Energy in Winter
By Tom Herrin
Most of us understand the role of sunlight in the spring and summer. It seems to help us get up and get going. It is often a symbol of activity. The thought of opening the windows and soaking it up or going outside and taking a walk in it is one of those things that we often look forward to. What we may fail to do is recognize our need for it in the winter, or anytime when the days are shorter. In order to compensate, we need to make a point to find ways to get sunlight even in winter.
The Sun Is Master of Energy
We rely on the sun for lots of things. For a quick wake-up, the sun can provide what we need. When it enters our eye, it can stimulate our brain to increase our metabolism. When this happens, our brain sends us a message to become more active. At the same time, the sun can tell our body to stop the production of melatonin. It is melatonin that helps us sleep. An easy way to get ourselves going in the morning is to open a window.
The Sun May Help Us Live Longer
Even though there is concern about sun exposure and things such as skin cancer, people have a lot to gain from sunlight. According to one study, women who had the least exposure to the sun over a 20-year period had much higher mortality rates. It is obvious that we should not forego sunscreen for protection, but including more sunlight each day may actually play a part in living a longer life.
Take Advantage of Free Stuff
Most of us enjoy getting things for free. Nothing is much freer than the sun. it is there all of the time, and all we have to do is open a window and let it flow in. If we are not able to open a window, we can go outside and take a walk. The important thing is to do whatever it takes to get a full dose of sunshine. For me, it makes a world of difference. I suffer from a little bit of SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. That means that when the daylight is short, I tend to get a little bit depressed. I have found that the best way for me to overcome it is to get more sunlight.
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