The Sun is Shining and I'm Feeling Alive!

Photo courtesy: Virginia Tech Magazine

Well, well, well. Would you look who decided to show back up?

The time change has brought the sun closer to us for longer portions of the day. I'm not even going to attempt to hide my excitement. Like many others, I fall victim to the seasonal depression that comes with winter.

Here are some of the benefits of sunlight to encourage you to spend a little bit more time soaking up this gem-in-the-sky.

Healing Skin Conditions

If you're one of the less-lucky (me) that still has a little acne in college, I couldn't encourage you enough to spend some time in the sun. Though too much sun exposure can lead to serious health issues, UV exposure can treat acne and eczema!

Serotonin Increase

Serotonin is that crazy hormone in our brains that help us to feel things like happiness. In the winter, when the sun is in the sky for a shorter amount of time, serotonin can decrease a pretty significant amount. This diminished amount of serotonin can lead to feelings of depression. Spending time outdoors can make you feel better overall.

Increased Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the most critical vitamins in our daily regimen. An increased amount of Vitamin D is known to provide the body with a huge amount of benefits, including: reducing the symptoms of asthma, improving bone health, preventing cancer, and strengthening teeth.