There’s nothing that I enjoy more than a walk in the sunshine. The warmth feels so good on our skin, but did you know that there are a ton of health benefits you can get from a healthy dose of sunshine combined with a walk? With proper sun protection, walking is a great way to soak in the sun while getting a low-impact workout in at the same time.
Here are seven reasons why you should walk in the sunshine:
- You Produce more Vitamin D. This one probably isn’t a surprise. Vitamin D is naturally produced by exposure to sunlight and has countless benefits, including fighting disease and reducing depression. Studies show it can lower your risk of multiple sclerosis, decrease your chance of developing heart disease, and even reduce your likelihood of developing the flu.
- Improve your mood. It’s not just an old wives tale that sunshine makes you happy, there’s science behind it, too. Sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is the feel-good hormone that’s linked to mood.
- Have a Healthier Body. One recent study had fascinating results — light-sensitive proteins on your fat cells can detect sunlight, and too little natural light can alter how these fat cells behave. The result? Higher sunlight exposure may suppress your appetite, helping to prevent obesity. It also helps clear skin conditions. Exposure to the sun can help clear up itchy skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.
- Get more restful sleep. Your exposure to sunlight through the day impacts how much melatonin is produced in your brain. Melatonin is a natural chemical that regulates your circadian rhythms and helps lull you to sleep at the end of the day. So if you struggle with insomnia, maybe soak up some rays outdoors.
- Lower your blood pressure. When your skin absorbs sunlight, nitric oxide is released into your blood, which can lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Improve your cognitive function. Sunlight has been found to improve attention, inhibition, flexibility, and working memory, especially in women.
- Live longer. One study of women in Sweden found that those who avoided the sun had higher mortality twice as high as those that had regular or moderate sun exposure.
Find a Walking Program
We already know that walking for exercise has a ton of health benefits, but as you can see, walking combined with sunshine is a pretty powerful combo for your body. I have recently started a new walking program that I love and I have to share it with you.
- You start by downloading the app to track your walks, take fun or motivating classes, and to set your personal goals. You can even join teams and meet others with common interests working on their goals as well.
- Lace-up your shoes, get out there, and go walk!! This app is carefully curated with daily inspiration and awesome features that will keep you motivated.
- Crush your goals and earn some pretty arm candy to celebrate your win. Think of it as “wearable inspiration” for the month’s theme.
I have already met some pretty amazing women through my journey, and I would love for you to join me. Visit www.99walks.fit to set up your account today. Use the code SANDRA25 to get 25% off your first month.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to join my 99 Walks Team, comment below or email me at thesandrahudson@gmail.com so that I can send you the invite.
This is such good article with many valid points. I’ve read that walking increases rapid eye movement which is partly what causes the increase in serotonin. I love walking and try to get all my clients doing it several times a week.
Thank you so much for visiting. Walking is such a great way to move your body.