Did you get outside today?
Chances are, you enjoy plenty of sunshine out on the course during these warm summer months in New England. But make sure you’re getting outside and in the sun for at least an hour every day especially when you’re not out on the course! Ever wonder why seasonal depression is so detrimental to people during the winter months? A HUGE reason is the lack of sunlight.
There are so many health benefits of sunlight or ultraviolet rays and we need to absorb it regularly in order to function properly. And remember, “Function Dictates Form”! 😉
We as athletes need to optimize sleep for recovery. So in order to do that we need sunlight which regulates our circadian rhythm (our internal clock that tells us when to naturally wake up and go to sleep). This helps our bodies produce melatonin which is critical to sleep. The more sunlight you get throughout the day, the better your body will produce melatonin and the better you will sleep.
Vitamin D which also comes from sunlight is vital in strengthening our immune systems as well as maintaining calcium which leads to strong bones. Not to mention, it aids in stress relief and decreases depression by boosting levels of serotonin (happiness hormone) within the brain. Ultraviolet light also helps to cure certain skin or health conditions such as eczema, jaundice and more. And these are just a few of the many benefits of the sun!
The best time to get outside in the sun is between 8:00am and 10:00am when the ultraviolet rays are the weakest. Sun damage is only apparent if excessive sun exposure takes place repeatedly without protection. So it’s best to protect yourself if you are under direct sun for more than an hour between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm when the UV rays are at their strongest. Surprisingly, this is still a factor even when it’s cloudy out!
If you haven’t already, go outside to get your daily dose of sun 🙂 and schedule that Tee Time for 8am!
