The sun is an essential part of our lives, and it greatly influences our cultures, religions, and practices. It has been worshipped as a deity in various cultures throughout history, and its importance cannot be overstated.
Without the sun, life on earth would not be possible. The sun is the source of all energy on earth, and it powers all living organisms.
The Effect of the Sun on Mind and Body
Studies have shown that the sun affects both the mind and the body. The sun’s rays are necessary for the production of vitamin D in the body, which is essential for bone health and a strong immune system. However, many people avoid sun exposure due to fear of skin cancer, which has resulted in an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency.
Having a vitamin D deficiency is associated with various psychiatric and immune-related disorders and is now recognised as one of the most common medical conditions worldwide.
The Impact of Indoor Jobs and Vitamin D Deficiency
Another reason people may not go outside as much as they should is because of their jobs, which keep them indoors for extended periods. Office jobs, for example, can limit the amount of sunlight exposure people get during the day.
The lack of exposure to natural light can lead to a variety of health problems, including poor bone development, heart disease, and cancer.
The Condition of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Some people are so affected by the weather and sunlight that they develop a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This disorder is similar to normal depression, but it occurs repetitively at a particular time of year, usually starting in the autumn or winter and improving in the spring.
The severity of SAD varies from person to person, but for some, it can have a significant impact on their day-to-day life.
The Positive Effects of Sunlight on Mood and Memory
Sunlight has also been shown to affect mood and memory. Studies have found that pleasant weather improves mood and increases cognition in the spring because people have been deprived of such weather during the winter.
However, bad weather can increase individual productivity by eliminating distractions resulting from good weather, as when the sun is out, people in general wish to be outdoors.
The Relationship Between Sunlight and Human Behavior
The sun affects all areas of our lives, and it has even been discovered that relationships between people are affected by the weather.
A study concluded that a restaurant waitress was more likely to receive a tip if the sun was out. This shows that the weather can have a subtle but significant impact on human behaviour.
Maintaining Health and Wellbeing with Sun Exposure
The sun affects both the mind and the body, and we must ensure that we get enough exposure to it to maintain our health and wellbeing.
While it is important to protect our skin from UV radiation, we should not avoid sun exposure altogether. We must find a balance between getting enough exposure to the sun’s rays and protecting ourselves from its harmful effects.
By Amy Skentelbery