In my next house (if that ever happens) I want my bedroom to face East and have large windows in it -- maybe even a skylight! Now my bedroom faces West and has one small square-ish window. I get plenty of light from the sun in the late afternoon, but not when i really need it which is in the morning. Did you know how important getting some sunlight is? I never knew until about the past 5 years or so. I know all about getting too much sun from my past sunburns on my Irish skin, but the sun CAN be good for you in moderation.
Vitamin D! It is a pro hormone not really a vitamin. It helps with the absorption of other vitamins and the functions of several of our body parts. It even helps prevent diseases and in my case it helps with depression and SAD. That is why SAD exists because of the lack of sun in the late fall and wintertime.
Sunlight also helps wake you up and keep you up. Who feels bad when the suns rays are shining on their face? It helps with our circadian rhythm (24 hour clock) so our hormones and body functions properly. Since I am not a scientist and don't want to get facts mixed up,you can find out more details here: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Factsheet_CircadianRhythms.htm .
A few years ago my psychiatrist suggested getting a sun lamp to use during the winter time. I ordered it from Amazon - not too expensive (@$40). Smaller than an iPad but larger than an iTouch. I just glance at it for about 15-20 minutes in the mornings before the sun comes up or on cloudy days. I'm usually checking email or watching the Today show when I'm doing this - before my son is up. He likes to take the lamp and shine it everywhere and sometimes stares at it (not recommended) so I started doing it before he gets up. LOL! I sincerely think it helps me. Not the same as natural sunlight but a good substitute for it.
When the sun does come up and out and after husband is off to work and son off to school, I found the perfect place to catch some rays in my house. I sit on the floor or the couch where the sun is beaming in through my large bow window and just soak up those morning rays. It feels so warm and energizing to me! I sometimes close my eyes and meditate or say a little prayer while sitting there.
I was never a big fan of the sun because of all the freckles I have, all the sunburns I've suffered but I have now lovingly embraced my freckles as Irish beauty marks as my Nana called them. And I ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN - as you all should! I discovered the sun is my friend. That big star helps me out some days. It helps me feel happy and guess what, no co-pay - it's FREE!
I didn't go into all the benefits of the sun in my writing today but here is another link I recommend. It lays out all the star's benefits...
http://onlineradiologytechnicianschools.com/2010/feeling-sunny-25-health-benefits-of-sensible-sun-exposure/
No comments:
Post a Comment