Darkness is great when we’re trying to sleep at night! But when nightfall starts crawling through our windows before 5:00 PM—as often happens during winter months—it can be rather depressive for many of us.
Embrace the sunshine
Normally, I enjoy walking on paths close to my home during evening hours after supper. But this time of year doesn’t allow for that unless I choose to walk in the pitch-dark. No thanks! That’s hardly an optimal time for outdoor exercise. Plus, I’m a true scaredy-cat when it comes to darkness in the outdoors.
My solution—enjoy sunshine much earlier in the day. In fact, I’ve learned of several benefits to spending more time in the sun. A few of these may surprise you as well.
Direct advantages to spending more time in the sunlight include things like: major mood boosts, creation of vitamin D—which helps prevent sickness (great timing for cold & flu season), as well as significant contributions to our bone and skin well-being. Of course, moderation in direct sunlight is key to attaining these benefits without surrendering to health damage caused by overexposure.
Find what works for you
- Bundle up and go outside!
Last winter I decided to get a jacket designed for activewear during colder weather. We all need exercise—especially during holiday festivities—so this seemed to be the perfect answer for staying fit during wintertime. Be sure to wear the right amount of layering to keep your core warm when you go outdoors.
- Something is better than nothing
You may work full-time during the daytime, making it hard to exercise when you get home after dark. In this case, consider going for a brisk walk during a break or for your lunch hour. Keep a pair of tennies handy near your work area, and then head outside to enjoy the sunshine throughout your workday. Even fifteen minutes of sunlight several times each week is beneficial to your overall health.
- Bring the outdoors in
Obviously, winter weather can be tricky to maneuver at times. Even “winter-weather-warriors” need to be careful when snow or ice make walking paths dangerous. Don’t compromise your well-being by slipping in the slush. But do let the sunshine in if you absolutely can’t go out! Sit near a window when warm sunlight is pouring in. Open the blinds and curtains to enjoy the sun while you read, browse the Internet, or talk to a friend on the phone. Your eyes can still soak in the rays, which will provide the benefit of boosting your hormone levels for the good!
- Enjoy the “brightness” of others
Great friends bring joy (and health) to our lives! In a way, good friends can be sparks of light on otherwise dreary days. Hopefully, you have friendships that bring the brightness of laughter to your face and in your heart. These types of relationships can boost our joy when circumstances may be dark otherwise.
Isn’t it amazing how God provides exactly what we need when we need it? Winter months are normally prime time for illness and depression, but you can beat the odds by taking advantage of this awesome natural gift of sunshine.