There’s nothing we enjoy more than walking in the sunshine, and not just because the warmth feels good on our skin. Sunshine has plenty of health benefits, and with the proper safe sun protection, walking is a great way to soak in the sun.
Here are nine of our favorite reasons to savor a walk in the sunshine. Sunshine gives us:
1. Extra Vitamin D
This one probably isn’t a surprise. Vitamin D is naturally produced by exposure to sunlight and has countless benefits, including fighting disease and reducing depression. Studies show it can lower your risk of multiple sclerosis, decrease your chance of developing heart disease, and even reduce your likelihood of developing the flu.
2. A mood boost
It’s not just an old wives tale that sunshine makes you happy. There’s science behind it, too. Sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is the feel-good hormone that’s linked to mood.
3. Appetite suppression
One recent study had fascinating results -- light-sensitive proteins on your fat cells can detect sunlight, and too little natural light can alter how these fat cells behave. The result? Higher sunlight exposure may suppress your appetite, helping to prevent obesity.
4. Clearer skin
Exposure to the sun can help clear up itchy skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.
5. Less risk of autoimmune disease
Studies show that increased exposure to sunlight can help reduce the development and severity of arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and even asthma.
6. More restful sleep
Your exposure to sunlight throughout the day impacts how much melatonin is produced in your brain. Melatonin is a natural chemical that regulates your circadian rhythm and helps lull you to sleep at the end of the day.
7. Lower blood pressure
When your skin absorbs sunlight, nitric oxide is released into your blood, which can lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
8. Better cognitive function
Sunlight has been found to improve attention, inhibition, flexibility, and working memory, especially in women.
9. A chance at a longer life
One study of women in Sweden found that those who avoided the sun had a mortality rate twice as high as those who had regular or moderate sun exposure.
Ready to savor the sunshine while walking your way to better? Join the 99 Walks June Challenge, walk your miles, and earn your bracelet! 99 Walks provides all the tools you need to be successful, including daily walking classes, a tracking app, motivation, a supportive community of like-minded women, and, of course, jewelry rewards when you crush your goal. Join 99 Walks today!
Join 99 Walks, walk your miles, and earn the July bracelet, Joyful Wanderer.
