It’s June and we highlight PRIDE month, celebrating our LGBTQ+ community of friends. I personally love what PRIDE month is about; being human, being vocal for justice and equality, and being kind and supportive to others especially those who are disenfranchised.
PRIDE Month transcends into health and wellness because all bodies deserve to feel their best!
On today’s Friday Facts, I’m sharing with you 3 Tips for finding your “Summertime Fine!”
For those who aren’t familiar with this term, “Summertime Fine” is a colloquial term described as “when someone is so fine [or good looking] that they are like the summertime. When you’re around them you feel carefree and happy.” (From Urban Dictionary)
Now here’s the key thing to remember…“Summertime Fine” is not defined by your weight. But “Summertime Fine” is where you are feeling your best self, feeling fine in the skin you’re in; glowing, energized, empowered, and motivated.
If you aren’t there yet, then these 3 tips are definitely for you.
One of the keys to finding your “Summertime Fine” is sunlight. And here are 3 ways sunlight helps you find your “Summertime Fine!”
Tip 1: Get some sun to boost your Vitamin D.
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with mental health disorders and seasonal affective disorder. Particularly amongst black individuals who have a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency due to skin pigmentation that makes it difficult to absorb and utilize vitamin D from the sun. But some sun gives that Vitamin D production a boost. You don’t have to sunbathe, but just a brief few minutes to your arms, legs, or feet is good. Then see your doctor for monitoring your Vitamin D level and to determine if supplementing would be helpful.
Tip 2: Get some sun to boost your Happy Hormones.
One of the dangers of too much sunlight is increasing your risk of skin cancer. So definitely put on that sunscreen or sun protective clothing to block out the harmful rays from the sun, but don’t stay out of the sun.
Sunlight boosts our happy hormones in the brain by stimulating the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Higher levels of serotonin in the brain are associated with an improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.
Sunlight exposure can also stimulate the release of other happy hormones or endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters. Endorphins help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, leading to an overall sense of well-being and improved mood.
Tip 3: Get some sun to help you get restful sleep.
Sunlight plays a significant role in regulating our circadian rhythm, our sleep cycle. Exposure to natural light during the day helps synchronize the circadian rhythm, which is helpful for promoting better sleep at night thereby improving your mood and boosting your energy levels during the day.
Studies have shown that sunlight also enhances melatonin production. Melatonin is commonly known as that little vitamin in the supplement aisle of the supermarket that helps you sleep. But did you know that your body naturally produces Melatonin?!?
Natural sunlight exposure during the day helps regulate melatonin production which in turn helps you to get restful sleep and stimulates that “Summertime Fine” feeling.
My last PSA here is that while sunlight can have these positive effects on mood, stress, and sleep, excessive exposure to sunlight without protection from sunscreen and/or sun protective clothing can have harmful effects on the skin, causing sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer. So protect your skin but get some sun and find that “Summertime Fine”!
The Essence of Health is in You!