I never really believed that getting daily sunlight was all that important for your overall health
until I had the pleasure of chatting with Liver King, aka the CEO of the Ancestral Lifestyle,
about the 9 ancestral tenants. While sunlight, along with 8 other tenants, is a crucial part of
Liver King’s lifestyle, I looked into its importance myself after our show and realized it should
100% be implemented into everyone’s daily routine — whether you’re following a specific
lifestyle or not.
Liver King and I dive deep into all 9 tenants and their many benefits on our episode together,
so be sure to check that out below, but for now, let’s talk about why you should add 10
minutes of sunlight or more onto your to-do list.
Vitamin D, please
Sunlight is your body’s best friend when it comes to producing Vitamin D, A, and K. These
essential vitamins play a huge role in optimal bone health, immune system support, reducing
the risk of diabetes, and even preventing some forms of cancer. Daily exposure to sunlight
can significantly increase your Vitamin D levels and greatly benefit your overall long-term
health.
Get your serotonin up
Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical in the brain that helps
elevate your mood, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. Especially in the
winter, when it gets darker much earlier in the day, regular exposure to sunlight can be a
natural way to combat seasonal affective disorder and help improve your mental health.
Solar-powered sleep cycle
Sunlight regulates your sleep cycle and maintains your body’s internal clock, aka your
circadian rhythm. Keeping your circadian rhythm in check improves sleep quality by creating
an optimal balance of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. I always prioritize
getting some natural sunlight in my eyes as quickly as possible in the morning for this exact
reason!
Your skin loves the sun
In moderation, sunlight can have beneficial effects on your skin. Obviously wearing SPF is
important and you shouldn’t bake in the sun without any protection for hours at a time, but
moderate exposure to the sun can play a role in treating certain skin conditions like psoriasis,
eczema, and acne due to its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Immunity boost
The Vitamin D produced by sunlight exposure boosts immunity and can help fight off
infections. While so many other factors play an important role in keeping your immune
system strong, getting daily sunlight can be an easy and natural way to give your immune
system a little extra help, especially during the colder months when common colds and flu
are more prevalent.
I realize not everyone has the luxury of living in sunny parts of the world, so getting in the sun
can be tricky during the fall and winter seasons, but truly, every bit helps. Do your best to get
in any sunlight you can during gloomy months by adding a morning or afternoon walk into
your routine when possible. I also recommend adding vitamin D-rich foods to your diet during
these seasons or supplementing it in, but be sure to chat with a doctor or naturopath about
what might be best for you!