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Sunshine and Mental Health
I hope you are all enjoying the weather, sunshine is very important for mental health, but like everything moderation is key. Make sure before you go out you apply your sun cream, drink lots of water and don’t spend too long in the sun.
If you are going for a long walk, ensure you phone is fully charged and tell someone your route and what time you expect to be back.
Sunshine plays a crucial role in mental health and well-being for several reasons:
1. Vitamin D production: Sunlight exposure is essential for the body to produce Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin." Vitamin D is linked to various aspects of mental health, including regulating mood and warding off depression. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of mood disorders like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression.
2. Regulating circadian rhythms: Sunlight helps regulate our internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which influences our sleep-wake cycle and other physiological processes. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm can lead to sleep disturbances, mood swings, and other mental health issues.
3. Serotonin production: Sunlight exposure triggers the brain to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, anxiety, and happiness. Lower levels of serotonin have been linked to conditions like depression and anxiety disorders.
4. Improved overall well-being: Spending time in natural light and being outdoors has been shown to improve overall well-being and reduce stress levels. Being exposed to sunlight can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
5. Connection to nature: Sunlight often goes hand in hand with spending time in nature, which has its own benefits for mental health. Being in natural environments has been associated with lower stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function.
While sunlight can have significant benefits for mental health, it's essential to balance sun exposure with proper sun protection to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
To celebrate the sunshine we are offering 10% off all courses in August both MHFA and Neurodiversity courses. Email us at [email protected] with the discount code ‘Hot10’ to enquire or book a course. This offer is for courses booked from 27th June 2024 and applies to August 2024 courses only.
Join us for our next Neurodiversity information session on the 28th June at 11am. These 30 minute information session focus on Neurodiversity in the Workplace. Email me at [email protected] to book a free place.
Enjoy the weather and I look forward to learning with you soon.
For further inquiries, company group training or mental health consultancy please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]