Living in California, I understand that this blog post might be easier said than done depending on the weather where you live. It’s sunny and 81 this afternoon for me. But even in this climate, I often find myself indoors taking care of work or things around the house that need to get done.
Did you know that our bodies need direct sunlight several times a week in order to get vitamin D, and many of us are vitamin D deficient? When you are in the sun , your body releases serotonin, which helps elevate your mood and energy. This Healthline article, What are the benefits of sunlight? shares how this happens: “Decreased sun exposure has been associated with a drop in your serotonin levels, which can lead to major depression with seasonal pattern. The light-induced effects of serotonin are triggered by sunlight that goes in through the eye. Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin. So, you’re more likely to experience this type of depression in the winter time, when the days are shorter.”
So take advantage of your breaks during the day. Sit outside in the sunshine for 10-15 knowing that you are helping your mental health and boosting your resilience. And for those of you that are elementary teachers, maybe this will give you a new perspective on yard duty:)