Include More Sunlight All Year Long
By Tom Herrin
If we want the best for ourselves, we need to recognize just what the best is. Many of us seek to spend quality time in the sun at many times of the year, but we may think differently when it gets dark a little earlier. It may be that natural tendency to sort of hibernate that gets to us. We may see the times in which our days are shorter as an opportunity to catch up on all of the movies and books we are behind on, or maybe even catch up on all the sleep we missed when we have stayed up late nights. The truth is we need sunlight at this time of year as much as any.
The Sun May Crank up Our Metabolism
When the sunlight strikes our eye, it can affect the brain. After all, the eyes are a window of the soul, or so they say. When this light hits the brain, it can send a message for the metabolism to increase. This energizes the brain and body. Since sunlight also causes the body to cease production of melatonin, which helps people sleep, this process can cause the body to wake up. It is a good reason to open the windows every morning, especially if you have kids. It beats raising your voice to get them up.
The Sun May Lift Us
A lot of us get down when we experience several cloudy days in a row. It is more natural than you may realize. Many people suffer from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. This is largely caused by a lack of sunlight. I know only too well as I am one of those who has this, at least mildly. I can get pretty depressed if I have a string of days with little or no natural light. Once I open the windows and let in the sun, I can feel the difference.
The Fix Is Simple
We don't have to have any kind of great thing to get more sunlight. It is one of the easiest problems to repair. All we have to do is pull back the curtains a little more or take a short walk outside. Most of us know how good that feels anyway. Making sure we have enough sunlight each and every day is cheap and very little trouble.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sugar Land, Tex.