Soaking in sunlight in winter for 15 minutes offers health benefits? Here's all you need to know

Winter is here so is the time for sunbathing. However, not many know that there are several health benefits of soaking in sunlight at least for 15 minutes. Sunbathing is a simple act of sitting or lying in the Sun with the intent to seek its warmth or get tan. Sun exposure is very necessary for the body to make Vitamin D and treat its deficiency. Nowadays, many are experiencing skin-related problems owing to a lack of Vitamin D. So here we are with the list of health benefits of soaking in sunlight in winter.

Benefits of Sunbathing in winter

Blood pressure and Heart health: Exposing your skin to sunlight, keeps your blood pressure levels in check and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also helps in activating nitric oxide which is found in the topmost layer of the skin and improves blood circulation.

Reduces depression: According to several studies, soaking your body in the sun helps reduce symptoms of depression. Exposure to sunlight triggers the brain to release the hormone serotonin as it boosts mood and promotes calmness.

Emotional well-being: According to WebMD, sunlight helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin, which gives you energy and keeps you calm, focused and positive. Doctors sometimes treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other types of depression with natural or artificial light.

Better sleep: Sunbathing in winter helps you sleep peacefully at night as the sunlight your body is exposed to throughout the day helps the body figure out the time to go to bed.

Weight loss: The WebMD states that morning sunlight seems to help people keep the fat off. Soak your body in the sun for about 20 to 30 minutes between 8 a.m. and noon. (Please note, the earlier you get it, the better it seems to work). Scientists think the sun’s rays may shrink fat cells below your skin’s surface.