There is something about sunshine that always makes me feel happy and alive. I live in Queensland, Australia which is referred to as ‘The Sunshine State’. I love being near the ocean and feeling the warmth of the sun. Winter is particularly enjoyable as the sun shines but it isn’t quite as hot.
There is a down side to enjoying the Sun. In Australia, according to the Cancer Council of Australia, we have the highest rate of skin cancer – melanoma. We need to be aware of how to be sun safe. However in saying that, we do need sunlight to provide us with Vitamin D which our bodies need to keep bones and muscles healthy and strong. Vitamin D is essential as we age to avoid osteoporosis which is a condition that weakens the bones and causes them to become brittle.
There has been so much public awareness and education of being sun safe that we aren’t actually getting enough sunlight. More people are working longer hours in offices and many of us actually have a Vitamin D deficiency.
A sensible approach to being outside in the sun is all that is required – wear a hat, sunscreen and don’t go out into the sun in the hottest part of the day – usually in Australia between 11am and 3pm
The Sun is usually associated with happiness. People are often referred to as having a ‘sunny disposition’, they are upbeat and happy. The sun is depicted as having a smiley face.
So how does sunshine rejuvenate us?
- As mentioned above, it is the best source of Vitamin D and you only need a few minutes of sunlight each day.
- Sunshine is an instant happy pill – Go outside and stand in the sun for a few minutes – you feel alive don’t you? Sunshine has the affect of lifting our mood and making us feel happier. Sunshine can help to reduce anxiety and depression.
- Sunshine makes you healthier – spending time in the sunshine can improve our immune system. This is because it encourages our bodies to produce more white blood cells.
- Sunshine helps to make us feel optimistic about the day and our life. Nothing ever seems as bad when the sun is shining.
Next in the series will be….. #6 – Enjoy your life
Let’s Keep Sizzling!
Click here to read more on how to Rejuvenate Yourself
13 Comments
I have forgotten what the sun looks like here and welcome its return daily Sue!
Oh yes Joanne winter in Australia isn’t too bad until we get those horrendous rain storms like we have lately. We have passed the winter solstice so longer and sunnier days ahead. Lovely to hear from you xx
I love the sunshine – especially these Winter days when the sun shines but it’s really cool with the breeze. I am amazed when I see Europeans who still aim to get as brownly tanned as possible each summer – my Aussie sun safe lessons shudder at the damage they’re doing to themselves. Like all things in life – moderation is the key!
I think we are lucky in Australia Leanne especially me living in Queensland. Our Winter is certainly a beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine. I suppose because Europeans have long dark winters with very short days they crave the sun. I wish I had been a little sun smarter in my youth – like most of my peers. Never too late to learn though. x
Hi Sue! I’m in Ballarat down near Melbourne in Victoria. It’s been almost snowing all day here today, freezing winds, and icy air. Supposed to snow for sure tomorrow! I think almost half of my class went to Queensland for the school holidays. Wish I had too! Linda. 🙂
Hi Linda – a fellow Aussie YAY!!! Yes Queensland has a beautiful winter but of course we aren’t happy are we – I’d love to spend some time in the snow!!! Have a great day and talk again. Stay warm in front of the fire – hmmmm sounds good!
After 3 gloomy days in the fog and rain, I’ll be very happy when the sun pokes through later today or tomorrow! I love the sunshine and it is an instant mood booster!
Vitamin D, baby. Vitamin D! Sunshine is so full of it and so good for us. With sunscreen of course.
Love the sun even if we don’t see much of it in the Midlands
Hi Janet! I love the midlands and you have the Cotswolds such a beautiful part of the world. Have a lovely day and thanks for stopping by xx
Yes, let’s keep sizzling (but just not in the sun!). Thanks for shining a light (couldn’t help myself!) on this way to rejuvenate ourselves. The world truly looks and feels different when the sun is out–and we’re out in it.
Exactly Roxanne – Sunsmart is the way to go! Living in Australia we certainly have learned all about that growing up. I just feel so good after being in the sunshine even for a few minutes. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.
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