benefits of the sun.

 I believe we can all share the same sentiment that when we take advantage of the opportunity to sit out in the sun, there is a shift in our overall being. We can feel a positive difference from being in the sun as opposed to not. Why does this occur? What is happening to our body when we get at least 5 minutes of time in the sun? Let’s take a deeper dive into the benefits of THE SUN.

Hormonal Benefits

The sun’s rays have the ability to increase serotonin levels in our body, which is the “feel good” hormone we release usually from partaking in pleasurable activities. The sun’s rays immediately activate our serotonin levels when the light hits our eyes (not directly of course). This activation of serotonin not only helps us feel good but it also aids in focus and calmness through the day. So, the early bird truly gets the worm. Another hormone this powerful energy source triggers are beta-endorphins. If you’ve ever ran for an extended amount of time, beyond your body’s normal tolerance, your body triggers a helper hormone called beta-endorphins which causes your body to push pass the pain and exhaustion of running and enters a state of euphoria known as “runner’s high”. Well, if you aren’t quite the distance runner, spending time in the sunshine is another source that triggers this hormone. Beta-endorphins are known to kill pain and boost our mood stability. It seems we can ascertain that people who deal with mild to severe forms of depression and or mood swings, can greatly benefit from spending time in the sun. Sun exposure also regulates our body’s natural clock of awake and sleep time (circadian rhythm) by producing another hormone called melatonin. You may have heard of melatonin as it is commonly taken as an isolated supplement to help people fall asleep. The sun can help to keep melatonin levels balanced so when the sun goes down, we have the natural inclination to go to sleep.

Anti-inflammatory Benefits

This attribute the sun possesses can be categorized as the most powerful because reducing inflammation simultaneously reduces disease. The sun does this by offering our body Vitamin D. Let’s take a moment to discuss Vitamin D. This micronutrient is essential in the absorption of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, we can’t absorb those minerals without Vitamin D. This is why Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining bone health. Vitamin D is an antioxidant which means it removes the oxidation in the cells caused by free radicals which could, if left unchecked, create an environment for cancer to grow. It also slows down the maturation of T cells (if cancerous) in the body.  Vitamin D also aids in mood stability and when we receive it from the sun, it triggers serotonin and beta-endorphins. What a combination! When we absorb Vitamin D from the sun, we are receiving an untampered and pure quality of this vitamin. This can also offer more potency because Vitamin D from the sun hits our skin and then enters our blood stream. Through this powerful production of Vitamin D from the sun, our body creates a molecule called cytokines which reduces inflammation in our body. A Vitamin D supplement can help to get these effects as well especially in areas where there is little to no sun or an individual has a lot of melanin and needs more sun to get enough Vitamin D, but getting it from its natural source is the best way. Due to the production of Vitamin D from the sun, this also helps to reduce asthma symptoms by creating a less inflamed environment for the lungs.

Skin Benefits

Many of us have heard that too much sun can cause damage to our body like skin cancer. While this is technically true, it’s not a “one-size fits all” measurement regarding “too much sun”. In fact, according to DALYS (Disability-Adjusted Life Years), more diseases are created from the lack of sun as Vitamin D boosts immunity. Flu-season is heightened during the season where there is less sun (November to February). So, it may surprise you to know that the sun has some benefits for our skin as well. Once you determine what level of sun exposure is heathy for your body, the sun can help with acne, psoriasis and eczema (through Vitamin D production).

Applying the knowledge

In summary, the sun is an energy source that cannot be neglected. Hopefully through this synopsis, you are encouraged to begin to or increase time spent absorbing the sun’s rays. It is important to be aware of what your body needs and how it communicates with you. People with darker skin have more melanin, which protects their body against the harmful UV rays and therefore they need more sun to get the benefits listed above. An African American person has different sun exposure needs than a Pacific Asian or European Caucasian. As always, consult with your doctor on how much sun exposure is best for you and preventative measure you should take to avoid any damage that may be trigger by too much sun exposure. With that being stated, we here at Chosen Lot hope this has negated any fears towards the sun and instead has help to actualize how much it is a vital resource for holistic wellness.

As always, UNLOCK INSPIRATION.

Citations:

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https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/the-real-health-benefits-of-getting-some-sun

Hoel, David G., et al. “The Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure 2016.” Dermato-Endocrinology, vol. 8, no. 1, Jan. 2016, p. e1248325, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5129901/, https://doi.org/10.1080/19381980.2016.1248325. Accessed 25 Mar. 2019.

https://www.isdin.com/us/blog/skincare/sun-protection/top-benefits-of-sunlight/

Lotker, Michelle. “Sunlight, Serotonin and Your Sleep Cycle.” PBS North Carolina, 10 Aug. 2022, pbsnc.org/blogs/science/sunlight-happiness-link/. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

http://pbsnc.org/blogs/science/sunlight-happiness-link/

Associates, Allen Medical. “Boost Sleep - Discover the Role of Sunlight on Sleep Quality.” Allenmedicalassociates.com, 2025, www.allenmedicalassociates.com/blogs/boost-your-sleep-sunlight-melatonin.html. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

https://www.allenmedicalassociates.com/blogs/boost-your-sleep-sunlight-melatonin.html

Yin, Kai, and Devendra K Agrawal. “Vitamin D and Inflammatory Diseases.” Journal of Inflammation Research, vol. 7, 29 May 2014, pp. 69–87, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4070857/, https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S63898.

Mead, Nathaniel. “Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health.” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 116, no. 4, Apr. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2290997/, https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.116-a160.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2290997/

Effects of the Sun on the Skin. 5 Benefits and Risks You Should Know. 11 Sept. 2023, formemedicalcenter.com/blog/effects-of-the-sun-on-the-skin-5-benefits-and-risks-you-should-know/.

carrasco, alejandra. “5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Sunshine - Nourish Medicine.” Nourish Medicine, 23 Mar. 2016, nourishmedicine.com/5-unexpected-health-benefits-of-sunshine/. Acces