Sun worship has existed since ancient times. Early on, people realized: without the sun, there is no life! The Incas left behind sun temples, the ancient Egyptians documented their reverence for the sun god with the world-famous Sphinx in front of the Pyramid of Cheops. The Greeks of antiquity were pioneers of heliotherapy, and the Romans, with their baths and solariums, also knew exactly what was good for them. In the north, the cult was perhaps even stronger—just think of the stone monument Stonehenge, aligned with the solstice.
Before the invention of electric light, the sun determined the rhythm of the day. Nowadays, the sun provides one thing above all: joy of life.
With the first rays of sunshine, we blossom—we feel happier and more energetic. In short: the “spring fever” sets in.
Behind this expression are biochemical processes that begin as soon as sunlight hits the skin: light inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes us tired in the dark, and stimulates the production of serotonin, which lifts our mood.
The Sun as a Source of Vitamins
When sunlight reaches the skin, the body produces vitamin D—hence its nickname, the “sun vitamin.” From April to September, this production usually works well in our latitudes. Only in autumn and winter does it slow down. For these “darker” months, the body stores vitamin D in advance. During winter, it can draw on these reserves. How long they last varies from person to person. Active individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors generally start the winter with better reserves than those who stay indoors most of the time.
The Problem of Our Time
Unfortunately, more and more people are excluding sunlight from their daily lives. Office work, neon-lit gyms, long car journeys, and high-SPF sunscreens prevent vitamin D-producing rays from reaching the skin. And since vitamin D cannot be sufficiently absorbed through food such as fatty fish, eggs, and milk, it’s important—especially during the darker months—to allow about 15 minutes of sunlight on unprotected skin. This can help cover your vitamin D needs for up to three days.
Tip: Instead of exposing yourself to winter blues from November to February, why not follow the sun? Travel to sunnier destinations and leave grey, rainy skies behind.
Is there a better time to discover sunny countries than during the grey winter months?
Sunlight Keeps You Healthy
Strictly speaking, vitamin D is a hormone and, medically, a true all-rounder. Scientific studies show how much it contributes to better health. It protects the heart and blood vessels, helps prevent and fight cancer, supports protection against diabetes, infections, and autoimmune diseases, and helps prevent brain and muscle degeneration. It also makes us less susceptible to colds. In short: it’s a key factor in our health.
But:
To benefit from the positive effects of the sun, the right balance is essential. Even the “light callus”—the thickening of the skin that develops in summer—is not a free pass for excessive sunbathing. To enjoy the sun safely, avoid overexposure and sunburn—opt for light, gradual tanning instead. If you spend long periods outdoors, you should always use sunglasses, protective clothing, and sunscreen.
Antioxidants, found for example in fresh fruits and vegetables, can help improve your skin’s tolerance to the sun and reduce harmful effects.
So, soak up the sun whenever you can! Your body and mind will thank you. And don’t forget—the sun is with us every day, even when it’s hiding behind thick clouds.