Benefits of sunbathing
Always remember to wear sunscreen. Sunbathing is not just something to do during our summer holidays to achieve a lovely tan that we can show off when we return to the office. The sun has numerous benefits for our physical health and emotional wellbeing provided we know how to sunbathe in a safe and sensible way throughout the year. Doing so means we can ensure our body and mind receive all the benefits the sun has to offer us.
Benefits of sunbathing (with precautions)
From helping our body produce the right amount of vitamin D to acting as a natural relaxant to help us sleep all night, these are just some of the benefits that sunbathing offers and that encourage us to enjoy the sun (with moderation and always following health guidelines).
● It improves your sleep
● It improves your mood
● It reduces stress
● It is good for strong, healthy bones
● It improves the appearance of skin
● It balances cholesterol
● It strengthens the immune system
● It lowers blood pressure
● It enhances your sex life
● It helps regulate your weight
It improves sleep
There is nothing like a night of restorative sleep to help you wake up full of energy the next day. The sun can help us achieve this as among its many benefits is improving sleep thanks to the body producing what is known as the sleep hormone: melatonin. This hormone plays a vital role in ensuring we sleep well without needing to resort to counting sheep. The sun acts as a regulator of our circadian rhythm, letting our bodies know when it is the best time to increase or decrease levels of melatonin, so this is one of the benefits of sunbathing.
It improves mood
There isn’t a more natural antidepressant for improving our mood and reducing stress and (minor) signs of depression, sadness or apathy. It not just us who say so, science has shown that the sun’s rays encourage our bodies to produce serotonin: the chemical substance that calms our mood and gives us a shot of optimism. Now you will understand why during months with less hours of sun, or in countries that hardly ever see the sun, there is a greater increase in the number of cases of depression or in the number of people feeling down. So, people seek out the sun in places like Mallorca to obtain these benefits from sunbathing.
It reduces stress
Stress is a factor that should be taken into account when talking about feeling down. Melatonin also performs another vital function as it reduces anxiety and stress. Therefore, when feeling stressed or overwhelmed it is a good idea to do something outside. And better still if it’s in the sun (but remember to avoid the middle hours of the day during the hot summer months).
Strong healthy bones
Our bone health is closely related to our levels of vitamin D and if we lack this essential nutrient, one of the benefits of sunbathing is that it gives us the necessary dose for strong, healthy bones. However, you don’t need to spend hours and hours in the sun thinking this will give you greater benefits. Just 15 minutes is more than enough to ensure your bones are strong. Your doctor will even prescribe it; just ask them.
It improves the appearance of skin
If you have problems with acne, the sun in moderation can help improve the appearance of your skin. You’ll see that slowly your skin will look more balanced and healthier.
It balances cholesterol
Another of the benefits of sunbathing is related to its role in dissolving fat. It may sound strange but people who live in sunnier climates have a lower incidence of cardiovascular illnesses. What is more, in summer cholesterol levels usually go down.
It strengthens the immune system
Vitamin D is thought to help our immune system and so it will be strengthened if we give it a little boost in the shape of short periods spent in the sun wearing protection and acting sensibly. Just one of the many benefits of sunbathing.
It lowers blood pressure
The sun causes blood vessels near the surface of our skin to widen, and this increases blood flow which lowers blood pressure. An explanation that, once again, features vitamin D which the body produces thanks to the sun.
It enhances your sex life
We are not going to resort to the classic summer cliches, but it is in the warmer, sunnier months when sex is better and more frequent. You can thank the testosterone levels that rise in the blood with the sun which leads to an increase in sexual appetite.
It helps regulate your weight
Hold on a minute! We are not saying that the sun is a miracle product that is going to help you show off your perfect figure by the beach or pool during your holidays in Mallorca. We just want to mention a new benefit of being in the sun which is related to losing weight. However, as you can imagine, the scales are not going to shift from just lying on a sunbed. The effect is achieved (as well as by eating a healthy diet and doing a bit more sport) if for example we go out for a walk in the sun for half an hour. But remember don’t go out in the middle of the day, 8am in summer is perfect.
Alternative plans to sunbathing
You can obtain benefits from the sun if you sunbathe for a short time in a sensible way and from doing outdoor activities. You don’t have to spend hours lying on a sunbed by the pool. So, how about heading to the Mallorca Fashion Outlet shopping centre set in beautiful natural surroundings and enjoying its fantastic sunny outdoor spaces? Your body and mind will get all the benefits of the sun and you’ll be able to give yourself the odd treat (with more than 100 fashion brands at the best prices). And when evening falls don’t leave without visiting the leisure area which is perfect for children while you enjoy some of the delicious cuisine that is on offer.
As with everything in life, it’s all about getting the right dose. It is just as bad to spend hours and hours in the sun (and even more so if you don’t wear any sunscreen) as it is for the body not to receive the many benefits of sunbathing. Just 10 minutes a day in the sun throughout the year will do wonders for your physical health and your emotional wellbeing.