Stress Relief-Spend Some Time in the Sun

 Stress levels can directly affect our physical, emotional, and mental health. Divorce is listed as one of the most stressful events in a person's life. Having experienced the pain and stress of divorce, I decided to look for some ways to decrease the effects of stress in my life. Here is one suggested way.

Enjoy Some Time in the Sun


I came across a site that said if you want to achieve some level of stress relief in your life, you should give sitting in the sun a try. I know what you are thinking: I may get sunburned, the sun is not really good for my skin, I may get hot and sweaty, and I, too, have to worry about skin cancer. Yes, all of those are legitimate worries, but I believe that most things done in moderation can be a good thing.

The Pain Relief Center says that the sun gives you healthier skin, encourages your brain to release chemicals that help you feel better, and reduces stress.

A positive effect of sunlight is the production of serotonin, which is a mood elevator.  Have you heard the phrase "sunny disposition"?  I guess one way to develop a sunny disposition is to actually spend some time in the sun.

Vitamin D production is also enhanced by sun exposure.  Vitamin D reduces inflammation and helps us have stronger bones, all things that, in the scheme of life, would produce less stress. An extra benefit of sun exposure is it lowers your blood pressure by releasing nitric oxide.  

I was trying to find a specific time limit for a safe amount of time in the sun. Web MD states that 5-15 minutes, even up to 30 minutes, can be acceptable. It depends on many factors, such as skin tone, age, health history, diet, the time of year, and where you live. It may be best to speak with your doctor to find out what is healthy for you.

We need to be prudent in our sun exposure, considering the time of day and the length of time spent in the sun. Of course, we should never forget to wear adequate sunscreen and protective sunglasses.


A Few Ideas to Get Out Into the Sun


Go for a hike.

Take a walk.

Go to the beach or the pool.

Do a bit of gardening.

Go for a bike ride.

If you can't go outside, sit by a window.


May you have a stress-free day!

God bless you on your journey.

KathieyV


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