Why Does Sunlight Make Us Feel Happier?

Why Does Sunlight Make Us Feel Happier?

From escaping to a faraway beach destination to enjoying the rays from your back garden in the summer, there’s something about enjoying the warm weather that’s pretty special. Not least because exposure to sunlight has been proven to make us feel happier!

But have you ever wondered how the sun is capable of lifting our mood?

In today’s post we will be decoding the mystery, and sharing our product with you so that you can support your health and happiness all year round through supplementation. 

Sunlight Is How We Make Vitamin D

sunlight vitamin d

When we are exposed to an adequate amount of sunlight, particularly during the months between March and September, our bodies absorb UVB rays which in turn create Vitamin D.

While Vitamin D can be obtained from certain foods such as oily fish, egg yolks and fortified spreads or cereals, not to mention supplementation – sunlight is one of the easiest ways to keep your Vitamin D levels topped up.

Given low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with mental health disorders including depression, it’s no wonder that consuming Vitamin D can make us feel happier and healthier. 

It’s actually recommended that all Brits take a Vitamin D supplement between September and March to counteract the lack of sunlight we tend to receive during these months so that our levels don’t fall too low. 

Sunlight Boosts Serotonin Levels

sunlight vitamin d

Exposure to sunlight is also thought to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. For those who don’t know, serotonin is known as the feel good hormone that is secreted when we are exposed to sunlight or after exercise.

Spending time outdoors in the summer is a great testament to the mood-boosting effects of sunlight. Whether you go for a walk in nature, hang out at the beach or simply get sunlight exposure when commuting to and from work, it’s a well-known fact that our mood is closely linked to what the weather is doing, which is why it’s easier to feel happier and more optimistic when the sun is out. 

In contrast, there is a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is related to the lack of sunlight we are exposed to during the winter months, which can result in sufferers experiencing low mood. To counteract the effects, sufferers are advised to try sunlight mimicking lamps (light therapy), as well as keep their levels of Vitamin D topped up. Some even go as far as booking a holiday in winter to absorb that most precious of sunlight in real form. 

Warmer Weather Is Great For Our Health In General

seratonin sunlight optml

It’s much easier to make plans in warmer weather, such as going for a walk outdoors, firing up the BBQ or even heading for a spot of camping.

Humans were designed to be immersed in nature, and not having the weather as a barrier means we are more likely to make plans with loved ones, socialise with friends and get back to the things that we enjoy. All of which makes us feel happier and healthier.

Our physical health reaps just as many benefits, since unlike as is the case in winter, the curtains don’t get drawn at an early hour, and there are no icy pavements to prevent outdoor exercise. Those who have chronic pain conditions may also find their symptoms lessen during the warmer months, meaning they are more likely to socialise and take part in other activities outdoors that will boost their mood. 

Optml – The Mood Boosting Supplement

optml

Here at Optml, we can’t promise to make the sun shine all year round, but we can help to ensure your system is well supported, especially during the winter months when you may be deficient in any number of key nutrients and vitamins.

Optml is a two step supplement consisting of Rise to be taken in the mornings, and Rest which is to be taken at night. In combination, we’ve designed our supplement to support your mood and energy levels in the day, while ensuring you get a sound night’s sleep so that you feel rested upon waking.

Try Optml today and experience the benefits for yourself. Whether you’re reading this post in the height of summer or the depths of winter, the one aspect that remains consistent is that we all need a variety of nutrients every day to feel happy and healthy. Optml is the easiest step you can take today to help ensure this will be the case.