4 Beautiful Benefits of Sunlight for Mental Health

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Last updated on April 9th, 2025 at 11:52 am

The sun is a ball of radiation and beauty. It does so much for us, from providing light to improving our health and well-being. That’s why we’ll talk about the benefits of sunlight for mental health.

So, if you’re ready to learn how soaking up the sun can help enhance our mental wellness, let’s dive in.

Get to know the sun and its benefits for mental health

Although the sun is full of beauty and wonder, it’s been known to have a bad reputation as well.

According to a study, sunburns and skin cancer are just some of the well-known and unpleasant side effects of being exposed to too much Ultraviolet A(UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

For many of us, that’s how we’d typically associate sun exposure with. However, there are benefits of sunlight, especially for mental health, which you may not be aware of.

But before you start running for the shade, hold on because you might change your mind once you discover what I’ve learnt too.

4 awesome benefits of sunlight for mental health

Irrespective of the sun’s bad reputation, the right amount of sunlight can give your mental health a boost.

After all, with everything in life, moderation is key.

So, if you’re on the fence about such a bright and bold start can be the extra boost you need for mental wellbeing, here are 4 benefits you need to know about today.

1. Sunlight exposure can help with sleep regulation

A study shows that sunlight can have a direct impact on melatonin and serotonin levels. Both hormones play a crucial role in regulating our sleep and mood cycles, which directly affect mental health.

How so?

Well, melatonin helps us get a good night’s sleep by regulating the body’s clock, while serotonin plays a role in being both a hormone and neurotransmitter.

Furthermore, how well we receive the function of these hormones can be strongly influenced by how much sunlight we are exposed to.

2. Sunlight can help ease depression

In the study mentioned above, patients were tested to see if daily sun exposure at the same time for two weeks would help them feel a decrease in the effects of depression.

According to the results of this study, depression was lessened by exposure to sunlight. This is because sunlight exposure helped regulate potential hormone imbalances that may have contributed to depression.

Hormones, such as serotonin, if unregulated, may potentially contribute to poor mental well-being, leading to outcomes like seasonal depression.

3. Sunlight may help improve brain functionality

The effects of sunlight on mental health go beyond hormone balance. Soaking up the sun from time to time can improve brain function, too.

A study found that it does help regulate serotonin mood swings. Serotonin stability plays a role in improving cognition and memory function.

4. Soaking up the sun in an easily accessible activity

The good news is that you can start experiencing the benefits of sunlight today. It’s reassuring to know that simple self-care activities, such as sunlight exposure, are easy to start.

Also, you can start experiencing the benefits of sunlight today, to add a boost to your mental health. I’ve certainly experienced these benefits as well.

I saw great improvement where I thought I needed extreme or medicinal help to help heal from challenges that impacted my mental health.

I’m surprised how a simple act could yield good results.  I want you to experience the same too.

So, if you are ready to experience the same for yourself, here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.

A guide to experiencing the beautiful benefits of sunlight for your mental health

You don’t have to search far and wide to start basking in the sun’s beauty for mental well-being.

So, I’ve crafted this simple guide to help you experience the awesome benefits of sunlight for mental health.

Here are 5 simple steps to use sunlight to enhance your self-care routine.

Step 1:  Plan on how to start

Plan out how long you would like to start spending time in the sun.

For example, you can decide that you would like to start spending time in the sun for a couple of minutes, for 5 days, for the next two weeks.

In this way, you could get an easy start just by evaluating how it’s working for you.

Also, you could spice things up by adding other self-care activities like taking a walk.

Just keep your schedule in mind so you can make ample time for this.

Step 2: Timing is essential to consider

In the study, the participants who were exposed to sunshine for two weeks were typically taken out at midday to experience this warmth.

However, you should consider the health of your skin as well.

It is typically known that the sun’s rays are at their mightiest from 10 am to 4 pm, which is risky.

Additionally, it’s also important to consider how best you can attend to this.

For example, if you have time in the afternoon, it may be best to consider going out around that time in your schedule.

Just bear in mind that it may be best to head out before 10 am or after 4 pm.

Step 3: Pick a time slot

So, you may be wondering how long you should be out in the sun to reap the benefits.

Research suggests that the most appropriate amount would be about 10-30 minutes per day.

However, feel free to decide on a time slot suitable for you.

Step 4: Take it slow and steady when you are starting out

Like with anything new habit, it’s easy to put pressure on ourselves to be masters.

The point of this guide is to help you get started while allowing the flexibility to make this habit work best for your needs.

It’s best not to just dive in blindly and experience the bad side effects of excessive sun exposure.

Take it easy and one step at a time.

Step 5: Keep a record of your progress

Consider using a journal to keep a record of your progress.

Record how much improvement you have seen in your mental health while implementing this self-care habit.

If you experienced positive change, keep a record of that.

In this way, you’ll have the motivation to continue because of your progress.

🌼You might also like: 5 Fabulous Benefits of a Skincare Routine for Better Mental Health

Shield your skin with the ultimate sunscreen

Don’t let harmful UV rays ruin your fun in the sun while exercising some self-care.

Keep your skin protected with the best sunscreen out there.

Remember to reapply often!

Additionally, check out this awesome pick:

1. Bliss World Block SPF50

This is a mineral-based sunscreen that offers a lovely silky texture. It blends super well with your skin because of how effortlessly it glows.

Furthermore, this product offers UVA and UVB protection and is sweat and water-resistant.

It will leave your skin glowing, hydrated, and happy.

Conclusion

Sunlight can benefit your mental health in many ways.

They can range from uplifting moods to improving brain function. Furthermore, it’s something that you can start with today.

Also, remember that moderation is key when it comes to sunlight exposure.

Additionally, remember to protect your skin with adequate sun protection too. I hope you are inspired to take charge of your self-care journey with simple and effective habits.

Now I want to hear from you. How has spending time in the sun improved your mental health? Share in the comments.

If you found this post helpful, please share it on social media and with your friends and family.

Also, grab your free downloadable checklist below.

Enjoy the sun!

Until next time, please take care.