Here Comes The Sun

By Alice O'Brien, Churchview Psychotherapy, Millstreet

The sun is out, you’ve dusted down the patio furniture, the kids are sitting in the paddling pool, and the factor 50 is on. Your garden looks like a holiday resort and you’re basking in it. You might still have to face the toil of the working day but it is definitely easier in the sunshine. Why is that? Surely, the sun peeping out occasionally can’t make a huge difference to your mood?

Well, it does. The term ‘sunny disposition’ actually has some foundation. Sunshine is proven to have a bigger effect on our mood than any other climate condition. This is because sunshine increases our production of serotonin, our ‘happy hormone’. Serotonin does more than just lift our mood. It helps us to get a more restful sleep. Serotonin and melatonin work together to increase sleep quality which is the biggest factor in maintaining positive moods. So, sunny days can lead to peaceful nights.

It is also fair to say that sunshine brings with it ‘salad season’. So, we are more drawn to fresh, healthy, unprocessed foods during the hot days, which can help us to feel more energised and nourished. We also drink more water during the heat which helps with hydration. But, there is nothing wrong with the odd icecream either to balance things out.

Actually a bowl of strawberries and ice-cream is a perfect combination. The sun is the most helpful way to boost our vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is very common with low moods. Exposure to sun is the only natural way to increase Vitamin D intake- about 15 minutes a day will be enough to have an effect. Vitamin D also helps with bone strength, lowers blood pressure and helps muscle restoration- so what’s not to love!

So, get out into the sun before it disappears for another year. Lash on the SPF and your hat. And remember what Walt Whitman says- “ keep your face to the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you”.