Sunlight: The best light source
Spring is almost here!
I am so excited for warmer weather, the spring air and SUNLIGHT: the best light source!
Our bodies are biologically wired for sunlight, and our cellular energy systems are impacted when we don’t get it. That is why we are tired on rainy day or want to stay in bed when the snow comes. (Plus, you know, warmth.) Point is, when we are in sunlight, our bodies produces vitamin D. This strengthens our immune system and brings balance to our sleep and stress responses. Sunlight is the best light source.
American culture isn’t conducive to getting in sunlight. We sit in offices all day, prioritize time on our screens indoors, and rarely plan outdoor activities.
This spring BE DIFFERENT. What can you do outdoors?
Maybe picnic outdoors once a week.
Start lunch walks with your coworkers.
Explore your local State Parks on Saturday afternoons.
Drive with the windows down
Choose outdoor sports leagues over indoor when you have the option.
However, you can also get creative. What can you change about your home or office décor to increase sunlight?
Move your desk so you are getting as much natural light as possible.
Remove heavy drapes that block natural light. Instead add mirrors that will reflect it.
Sunlight: the best light source…what else can you do in your environment to get a little sun?
Light that is harming you
That’s right. Not to be pessimistic, but it’s not easy to avoid light that is harming you.
According to the Centers for Disease, one in three adults are not getting enough sleep. Primarily because they are having a hard time falling and staying asleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased sustainability to diseases like diabetes, hormonal imbalances and even cancer. At night, blue light impacts our circadian rhythm (or biological “clock.”).
Blue wavelengths are radiated from our TV’s, computers, phones and other technology. Energy efficient lighting also increases our exposure to blue wavelengths. Decreasing our exposure to blue light will help regulate our sleep. Here are a couple of intentional ways that you can reduce blue light:
Switch out LED lights to dim red lights at night. Red light is less likely to shift circadian rhythm.
Put the screens away 2-3 hours before bed. End your night by reading, journaling and or playing games with friends or family.
Purchase blue-blocking glasses for nighttime use of screens. This is a pair that comes highly recommended.
I will be honest; this has been one of the harder things for my family to implement. However, I do know that the times we spend as a family are some of my most cherished memories. No doubt, that the nights we trade out blue light for alternatives we get more family connection. I wonder what else will improve in my life when I lay down the device for a couple of hours.
You can find out even more from one of my favorite healthy information sources on draxe.com. Check out this article on Dark Truth: Americans Aren’t Getting Enough Natural Light, and It’s Making Us Sick.
