Summer months are meant to be spent on the lake, hiking, or enjoying a walk. But, that doesn’t mean that everyone is outside enjoying the sunshine.
A precursor to not sleeping well at night can be rooted in anxiety or depression. With the summer still long from being over, it is important to get outdoors even if it is hard to beat the heat. Up to 20 minutes is all you need to recharge your batteries each day. Doctors recommend getting outside in the early morning hours; so, if you do battle the heat or humidity, the temps and levels will be lower.
The Sun: Nature’s Anti-Depressant
You or your child may be suffering from one of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Both can hinder the ability to acclimate to a new schedule or a new routine when school starts next month.
Many attribute SAD to winter months but for those who suffer from depression or dislike a change in routine, SAD can affect any age during any season. The summer months can help parents determine if their child is in need of further help.
Taking the fun outdoors can help minimize the risk of SAD and help increase your body’s overall health. Decreasing your time outdoors in the natural sunlight drops your serotonin levels, which can cause SAD.
“The light-induced effects of serotonin are triggered by sunlight that goes in through the eye. Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin.”