Why Sunlight Feels Good
It’s a nice and sunny day, and you’re probably wondering why you are oddly drawn to the sunlight that morning.
Sunlight has been the powerhouse of the world since the dawn of life, and it plays a crucial role in influencing our lives in a positive manner. Every morning I wake up and look outside my window, I notice the sunlight gleaming into my room, reminding me of the wonders I can create every single day.
Get Vihan Raval’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Beneath all the positive feelings we gain behind sunlight lies the biological processes that make sunlight so appealing to us. Once you understand the biology behind sunlight, you will soon understand why you are attracted to the beach ever-so-often :)
The “Strength” Chemical
The biggest advantage of sunlight for our bodies is that it boosts vitamin D3. This specific vitamin is crucial for our bodies, because it makes our bones stronger, and improves our immune response systems. If you stay at home more frequently than normal, and you hear your doctor mention “vitamin D deficiency”, a lack of sunlight is often the reason. Our skin synthesizes vitamin D with the UV rays of the sun to make sure we support the strength of our bodies in the long-run.
Why You Feel Alive
Now, you may be wondering: “why do I feel more alive on sunny days”? This is because sunlight boosts serotonin, a chemical associated with increasing your mood (in a positive way). When you see sunlight, it activates neurotransmitters in your brain, signaling that it’s time to go out and have some fun. This is also why some of us can’t resist going out on a sunny day.
But… You Also Feel Relaxed
Lastly, you may be wondering why our bodies feel more relaxed on sunny days (or better yet, why we feel like chilling when it’s sunny). This is because sunlight boosts beta-endorphins and nitric oxide in our bodies. Both these chemicals essentially slow down the processes in our bodies, making us feel calmer and more relaxed. So the next time you’re at the beach with your friends and drinking another Pina Colada, remember that your body is physically and mentally gaining deserved rest.
So sunlight, as you can see, is a crucial aspect of our lives. It helps us relax, feel more alive, and go throughout the day with better mood. It’s easy to get caught on lagging work and other pressures in our daily lives — but remember, a healthy body creates a healthy mind. So go outside, get some sunshine, and enjoy the aspects of of living life to its best. Because sometimes, it’s the small things that makes life more fun and enjoyable to live.
Vihan R
