We Need Light in Winter for Health, Too
By Tom Herrin
Even though it may seem like the shorter days of winter are ideal for closing ourselves off from the outside world, that may not be the healthiest of cases. Sunlight is an essential that doesn't go away just because we are not in the mood to take it in. The sun plays a critical role for each of us and helps to bolster our health in such a way that we may suffer noticeably anytime we don't have enough of it. People who have gone for long periods of time without sunlight have been known to have a variety of health problems related to this absence. Getting more of it is something that we can fix ourselves with very little effort.
Sunlight Can Improve Our Mood
Have you ever felt down and just couldn't put your finger on the cause? Think about whether or not there was good available natural light. If there wasn't the chances are that you are affected by the lack of natural light. Sunlight can provide what many of us need to simply feel good. It is believed that as many as a half million people in this country suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. Even many who don't have full blown cases still have, at least, mild symptoms. The easy fix is to get more sunlight. It can make us more productive and feel well.
Sunlight May Help Us Live Longer
We have a need for sunlight. In one study done on women, it was found that the more exposure to the sun they got over a 20-year period, the longer they could expect to live. This makes a good case for going to every effort to include more sunlight in the winter instead of taking the season off.
Make Sunlight a Part of Your Everyday Routine
I discovered long ago that sunlight is critical to my health. At one time, I had some serious muscle aches in the mornings. After a while, I figured out that I was not getting enough sunlight, and thus, I needed more Vitamin D. Once I increased my sunlight, I found that I had a great improvement in my discomfort. I also have found that I suffered from some depression when I failed to get enough. As a result, I have been able to fix a few things with no expense. All I had to do was increase my sunlight.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carmel, Ind.