Our Sun is the “star” at the center of our Universe. It is almost a perfect sphere, the most perfect found in nature. For some cultures it was considered a deity, and with its huge proportions (a diameter over 100 times the size of Earth’s and mass over 300,000 times) and its role supporting almost all known life on our Planet, one cannot ignore the standing of our Sun in the cosmic hierarchy.

 

However, the Sun sometimes gets a bad reputation. We all know about the damage from overexposure, such as premature skin aging or skin cancer, but few people talk about the damage of underexposure………….and even fewer still about the Sun’s role in our gaining Happiness, Life Purpose and Oneness.

The human connection between light and biology is somewhat looser than with animals, who sleep and rise (and indeed many even have sex) based on the connection with the sun, however our Connection is still very much evident.

So while avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight is important, the time has come to recognize the sun’s health-giving properties, so here are top 10 ways in which the sun can improve your health…

1 Makes you HAPPY

When the human body perceives sunlight it boosts our levels of serotonin – the body’s natural happy hormone! The human body creates vitamin D from the sun’s ultraviolet rays hitting the skin, and high levels of vitamin D help the body maintain high levels of serotonin

2 Beats SAD

The winter blues – or seasonal affected disorder –  is a depression specifically caused by lack of sunlight. Although lightboxes can be used to treat SAD, increased exposure to natural sunlight is more beneficial.

3 Relieves aches and pains

Being out in the sun aids and warms body’s muscles and can ease stiffness, reducing aches and pains

3 Can help prevent diabetes

Many studies have shown that Vitamin D may help to prevent the onset of diabetes.

4 Boosts the immune system

Sunlight encourages the production of white blood cells, which help to boost the immune system and fight infection.

5 Boosts fertility

Sunshine reduces levels of the hormone melatonin which suppresses fertility, so it is more likely you’ll conceive when exposed to more daylight hours, such as over the summer months

6 Gives you more energy

Since melatonin is the hormone that regulates sleep, and exposure to sunlight reduces melatonin, having lower levels of this hormone in your body gives you more get up and go. That’s why you need less sleep in summer but still feel livelier!  Plus, being woken by natural light (rather than an alarm clock) helps you feel more energized. (see the Blog on Sleep and Wakefulness: https://mindandoneness.com/2013/07/09/wakefulness-the-art-of-waking-well/ )

7 Can help reduce – or even beat – period problems

Dr Susan Thys discovered that that women with premenstrual syndrome are often deficient in vitamin D and by boosting Vitamin D they can reduce their symptoms

8 Helps skin conditions

Exposure to the sun can help to heal skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. Regular controlled sun exposure is often prescribed for sufferers.

9  Aids in weight loss

Serotonin not only makes you feel happy but also suppresses appetite – so you’ll eat less!

10. Opens us to the Divine

The ‘prana’ that is present, from the sun’s rays, are able to renew and transform us.  By concentrating our thoughts  on the sun – the star at the center of our solar system – we reinforce our connection with our spirit and our soul.  At sunrise think of nothing but ‘renewal’ and allow the receiving of the gift of ‘prana’ coming from the center of our universe. 

 

PS.  Remember, NEVER overdo exposure to the Sun, and the amount of sunlight considered appropriate varies by person – and is influenced  by skin color and even hair color!  –  but on average go out and enjoy the Sun at least 3 times a week for between 10-15 minutes and you will begin to enjoy increased Happiness, improved Well Being and be one step closer on your journey to discovering your Essence x