Businesses continue to refrain from asking employees to come to work because they don’t want to risk spreading COVID-19. While more and more people are getting vaccinated, the threat of the virus is still very real and very present; so many people are currently working from their homes. Over the past few months, you’ve likely enjoyed seeing loved ones and finally getting out of the house.
It’s been so lovely to revisit restaurants, friends’ homes, and retail spaces. But now that the weather is quickly starting to cool and the days are getting shorter, you might be looking for ways to maintain good physical and emotional health while working and spending so much time at home.
You probably already know that getting regular exercise and eating well is good for your health, but did you also know that enjoying healthy doses of natural sunlight is also beneficial to your overall well being? Soaking up some daily sunshine is scientifically proven to improve mental and physical health, and here’s how.
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Natural Light Encourages a Sound Sleep
Melatonin is a hormone found in the human body that assists the brain by adjusting it to the darkness and synching circadian rhythm with sleeping patterns. The amount of melatonin increases when the light fades and decreases when light is intense. Getting enough natural light during the daytime is critical to maintaining a good circadian rhythm so your brain will know when to rest once the lights go out.
Getting at least one hour of natural sunshine each morning can help regulate your circadian rhythm. That natural light will create a signal to your body, letting it know when to increase and decrease your melatonin levels. With more exposure to natural light, your body will produce stronger melatonin when it’s time to hit the sheets.
It Can Improve Your Immune System
Human immune systems rely on T-cells because they play a critical role in fighting foreign pathogens. Research shows that vitamin D in natural sunlight wakes T-cells up and is crucial to T cell function. If you’re not receiving enough vitamin D in your blood, the T-cells will remain dormant, unable to activate and fight off foreign pathogens. So, be sure to look out your window a few times a day to soak up that precious vitamin D!
How to Get Enough Sunshine In Your Home
Getting outside to enjoy the sunshine is easier said than done when you’re working from home. You might be stuck in meetings all-day or uninterested in leaving your warm, cozy house to face the cold, early winter air. There are several ways to invite natural light into your home.
For example, you could build a sunroom in your house to take advantage of the sunlight all year round. Sunrooms bring in natural light no matter what time of year it is, and you don’t even have to step outside to enjoy it. You could also install larger windows in your kitchen, office, or living room and consider incorporating a skylight or two, looking right up to the sky, to create an even brighter home.
With a bit of natural light in your life, you’ll get through these dark winter days. And before you know it, you’ll be back at the office, full of energy and feeling your best.
You may also read: Beautiful Nature Inspired Home Decor and Wall Art Ideas
