By Erin Massey, LCSW
Spring is here, and that means longer days, better weather, and more opportunities to be outside and soak up some of the sun! Though there are risks that go along with too much exposure to the sun, there are also benefits from limited and safe sun exposure as well.

One benefit that we often hear about is improved mental health. Many researches have been conducted that have found a direct correlation between sun exposure and improved mood. This is evident when you observe the amount of people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is when depression has a seasonal pattern that mainly occurs in the winter months. The reduced level of sunlight can disrupt our body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. It has also been found that a drop in our levels of Serotonin occurs, which is a brain chemical that affects mood, and also
plays a role in SAD. Getting some sun increases your Serotonin, and can help people with anxiety and depression as well.

Another benefit to sun exposure is a more restful night’s sleep. Melatonin is a chemical in our brains that help us to sleep, and the sun is also a factor in the production of this as well. Low levels of vitamin D can be increased by being derived from the sun, which helps with deficiencies that are effecting mental health disorders.

If you are in need of getting more sun, tracking your sun exposure and getting outside more often can be good habits to incorporate into your daily routine. Tracking sun exposure includes keeping a log of the amount of time spent in the sun, what the weather was like, and what you noticed about  our mood if you attempted to use this as a coping technique to improve your mood. Taking a quick break at work and getting outside for a few minutes can be a simple way to soak up a little extra sunlight throughout the day.

If you plan on spending an extended amount of time in the sun, Make sure you slather on the SPF and wear sun protective gear as well! Happy Spring!