Sometimes It’s The Sun ☀️
I wouldn’t say that I am someone who has struggled with depression or severe anxiety, but who among us haven’t felt lonely, lost, or some sort of void in recent times?
I know how challenging it can be to lift oneself out of a negative mood. There are countless resources out there – from therapy to medication to self-help books – but occasionally it feels like nothing works. That's when I experienced first-hand that sometimes, the best medicine for me when I'm feeling down is to just be in the sun.
I enjoy swimming and try to swim a few laps after my workout, but one morning I stayed longer at the pool area, sleeping on my back, on the floor, with my eyes closed in the sun. I felt a warmth expand through my body as I lay there in the sun. I felt at ease for the first time in weeks. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to be. I was not attempting to solve any issues or divert my attention away from my feelings. I was simply existing in the present instant, soaking up the sun.
Since then, I've made it a practice to spend time in the sun whenever I'm feeling down. On the weekends, I'll sit on my balcony or take a walk through my residence community. Sometimes I'll read a book or listen to music, but most of the time I just sit and let myself be. It is turned into a form of meditation for me, a means to connect with myself and the world around me.
I don't know why it works. Maybe it's the vitamin D, maybe it's the warmth, maybe it's just the simple act of being outside. But I do know that it works for me. When I'm feeling overwhelmed or sad or lonely, spending time in the sun is sometimes the only thing that can make me feel better.
Of course, this isn't a cure-all. There are times when depression and anxiety require more than just a little bit of sunshine. But I do think it's important to remember that sometimes, the simplest solutions can be the most powerful.
So if you're feeling down, and nothing is lifting you up, consider thinking that the cure, sometimes, is the sun, it might just be the medicine you need.
Some Facts To Consider: My Bulbs are intended to be casual and candid based on my personal experiences, not educational or professional in any way, but I was truly intrigued to know more about the benefits of the sun on the human mood and feelings, so for the first time with a Bulb I attach the following facts appendix:
Exposure to sunlight has numerous benefits for human health, including:
- Improved mood: Sunlight can boost the production of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood, and lower levels of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can lead to an improved mood and a decrease in symptoms of depression.
- Increased vitamin D production: Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, a nutrient that is essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system.
- Reduced risk of certain diseases: Vitamin D produced from sunlight exposure has been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer.
- Improved sleep: Exposure to sunlight can help regulate the body's internal clock, which can lead to improved sleep quality and duration.
- Reduced stress: Sunlight exposure has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as lower blood pressure.
- Improved cognitive function: Studies have suggested that exposure to sunlight may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
- Improved skin health: Sunlight exposure can improve certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
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