#23 Sun worship - Good and Bad
Doesn’t it make you want to embrace the day a bit more when the sun is shining? Our weather is very mixed at the moment so we can’t quite predict when we are going to get a sunny day.
I personally love the fact that we have such unpredictable and varied weather in the UK – sunshine wouldn’t be special if it was guaranteed every day. I also love a thunderstorm and crunching in the snow and waking up to a frosty morning.
Anyway back on topic – the sun is very good for us but can also be very bad for us.
THE GOOD
The right balance of sun exposure can lift our mood because it releases the hormone serotonin which is associated with helping us feel calm and focused
Natural sunlight on our skin triggers the body's production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a crucial ingredient for overall health; it plays a big role in keeping our bones healthy, protects against inflammation, lowers high blood pressure, helps muscles, improves brain function and may even protect against cancer
For those who suffer with the form of depression caused by seasonal patterns (this used to be known as SAD – Seasonal Adjustment Disorder), light therapy is often prescribed to mimic natural sunlight
Getting out in the sun can also help those who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psioriasis.
We Brits associate the sun with holidays and holidays mean relaxation, fun and travelling to somewhere new – all good for our well-being
THE BAD
We all know now that too much UV radiation can penetrate the skin and damage cell DNA which can lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world but is preventable if we protect our skin and limit our exposure to direct sun
Sunbeds are also bad for us – many of them give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday tropical sun. We all associate a nice tan with looking good but there are so many good fake tan alternatives now that can achieve this without damaging our skin
Sun stroke – being out in the sun too long without adequate hydration can cause symptoms of heat stroke such as exhaustion, dizziness and headaches
Premature ageing – sun exposure is a significant factor in the development of wrinkles and how early they appear. UV rays damage collagen and the elasticity of our skin so it doesn’t spring back to shape. Sun addiction over many years can make skin appear leathery – which is not a good look
So how do we know how much sun is too much sun? It depends on your skin type and how direct the sun’s rays are. My skin is pale and covered in freckles from reckless excessive sun worshipping in my youth. Although I love being in the sun, I haven’t actually sunbathed for many years, if I am not walking or swimming, I am always in the shade.
Only 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight on our arms, hands, and face 2-3 times a week is enough to enjoy the vitamin D-boosting benefits of the sun.
Like everything in life (boringly at times), moderation is the key. So provided that we regularly apply adequate sun protection (SPF at least 30) and limit our time in the sun, we can continue to worship it – especially when we don’t see it that often!
