Sunlight Is Nature’s Coffee
NATURE / Health
Sunlight Is Nature’s Coffee
KAKALI DAS
Have you ever noticed that you tend to feel better when the sun is shining?
It’s not just in your head—there’s real science behind how sunlight can lift your spirits and improve your mental health. Many people feel sad and sluggish in the winter when the sun is not shining as much, and on rainy days, we often feel tired, moody, and unmotivated.
This is because sunlight has a direct impact on our brain and body, influencing our emotions and energy levels in ways we might not even realize.
Sunlight is like nature’s caffeine. You don’t need coffee to feel awake in the morning—your body has its own energy system. Instead, try getting some ‘sunlight’ right after you wake up. It wakes us up, makes us feel alert, and refreshes our minds.
One of the most important effects of sunlight is its role in boosting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. When we spend time in the sun, our body naturally increases serotonin levels, helping us feel more positive and energetic. This is why stepping outside on a sunny day can instantly lift our spirits and make us feel more alive.
Imagine walking outside and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. This simple act triggers the production of vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin.’ Vitamin D is essential for many bodily functions, including mood regulation. It helps our brain produce serotonin, making us feel happier and more balanced. Without enough sunlight, our vitamin D levels drop, leading to symptoms of depression and fatigue.
People who live in places with long winters often experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs when there is less sunlight. Spending just 20 minutes outside in the sun can significantly improve mood and energy levels, reducing stress and anxiety.
Another way sunlight benefits our mental health is by regulating our sleep cycle. Our body has an internal clock, known as the ‘circadian rhythm’, which controls when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. Sunlight helps keep this clock in sync, ensuring that we wake up feeling refreshed and fall asleep easily at night. Exposure to bright light during the day, especially in the morning, tells our body that it is time to be active.
At night, when the sun sets, our body starts producing melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. When we don’t get enough natural light, our sleep cycle becomes disrupted, leading to insomnia, low energy, and mood swings. A simple solution to this is to spend time outside each day, even if it’s cloudy. Just being in natural light helps maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
Sunlight is nature’s ‘antidepressant’ too. There have been scientific studies proving the impact of sunlight on mental health. In the 1960s, researchers conducted experiments where people lived in caves without sunlight for long periods. The participants experienced mood swings, severe depression, and disoriented sleep cycles. This shows how crucial sunlight is for our psychological well-being.
Similarly, in a study at Broadmoor Institute, researchers found that just 20 minutes of bright light exposure in the morning had a greater effect on improving mood than some antidepressants. This highlights how powerful natural light is in maintaining emotional balance.
Living without enough sunlight can have serious consequences. Lack of sunlight weakens our immune system, making us more prone to illnesses. It can also lead to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes, as well as increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Many people today spend most of their time indoors, relying on artificial light.
However, artificial light does not have the same benefits as sunlight. In fact, exposure to artificial light at night, especially blue light from screens, can disrupt sleep and negatively affect our health. The World Health Organization has even classified shift work as a potential health hazard due to the way it disrupts the natural sleep cycle.
It’s Important to try to get outside, even on cold or cloudy days. A daily walk in the sun, even for a short time, can significantly improve mood, energy levels, and overall health. For example, people who take morning walks often feel more focused and productive throughout the day. Athletes and soldiers have also reported that sunlight gives them a sudden boost of energy, similar to drinking a strong cup of coffee.
In military training, soldiers who march all night often feel exhausted by morning. However, as soon as the first rays of sunlight hit their faces, they feel refreshed and re-energized. This shows the deep impact of sunlight on our body and mind.
Some people worry about skin damage from the sun, which is why sunscreen is often recommended. While sunscreen protects the skin from burns, it can also block some of the benefits of sunlight, such as vitamin D production. A balanced approach is to enjoy sunlight in moderation. Spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun early in the morning without sunscreen allows the body to absorb enough vitamin D.
People with darker skin tones may need more time in the sun because their skin naturally blocks some UV rays. Factors like pollution, diet, and age also affect how much vitamin D the body produces. For example, older adults may need to take vitamin D supplements since their skin does not produce it as efficiently.
Interestingly, the food we eat can also influence how well we absorb sunlight. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as tomatoes and leafy greens, help protect the skin from damage while allowing us to enjoy the benefits of sun exposure. Eating a diet rich in these foods can be a natural way to boost sun protection without relying entirely on sunscreen.
Sunlight is not just a source of warmth; it is a natural medicine that is freely available to everyone. It helps fight depression, reduces stress, improves sleep, and strengthens the immune system. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance our mental and physical health.
Instead of staying indoors all day, we should take advantage of this powerful natural resource. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, sitting by a window, or just standing outside for a few minutes, soaking up the sun can make a huge difference in how we feel.
Next time you feel down or tired, try stepping outside and letting the sun work its magic. It is one of the best ways to naturally improve mood and overall well-being. Embrace the sunlight and let it brighten not just your day, but your life.
Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking. You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com(For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary) Images from different sources.
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