As the temperature drops and days get shorter, people often spend more time indoors, snuggled in blankets with a warm cup of cocoa or a bowl of keto chili. While indoor indulgence has its charm, getting out in the sun during this transitional period is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
Natural Vitamin D Boost
Fun fact: our bodies can use sunlight to make vitamin D, an essential hormone involved in bone health and support a healthy immune system. When we're exposed to direct sun exposure (meaning you aren’t wearing sunscreen or sitting behind a window), our skin can naturally synthesize vitamin D after about 5 to 30 minutes. While many factors play into the amount of vitamin D your body can synthesize (like the time of day, length of day, season, skin melanin content, and others), it’s important to make the most of the available sunshine and get outside during the day (even when it’s colder out.)
Mental Health
If you’ve ever spent your entire day inside, you know the feeling of refreshment that comes with even a 5-minute walk outside to soak up some sunshine. Not only are you likely to feel more energized after time outdoors, but research shows it may also improve your mental health and lower stress.
Improved Sleep Cycles
Spending time outside in natural sunlight can help regulate the body's circadian rhythm (internal clock). This rhythm affects our sleep patterns and determines when we feel awake or tired. Exposure to sunlight helps our body recognize the difference between day and night, which can lead to better sleep quality.
Physical Activity and Fitness
Cooler temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities. Whether it's a brisk walk or a hike among the changing seasons, being active outside gives you the benefits of fitness and sunlight exposure, without the intense summer heat.
Enhancing Creativity and Productivity
Spending time outdoors, in sunlight, can foster creativity and concentration. This is especially useful for those involved in artistic or analytical work. Taking short breaks or lunch outside at work can revitalize the mind.
As we move from summer to fall and winter, it's important to keep in mind the benefits of solar powering your body. Despite the dropping temperatures and the allure to stay bundled up indoors, taking some time to step outside and enjoy the fall sunshine may positively impact your physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. So, wear a cozy sweater, grab a :ratio bar and head outside, then let the sun do its magic.
*Always consult your physician before starting an eating plan that involves regular consumption of high fat foods. See information for calorie, total fat and sat. fat content.
