The Sun and Happiness
Yesterday we arrived at the campsite and the sun was shining! Within in minutes of setting up camp, I was soaking in the rays!
If I mention laying in the sun nearly everyone thinks about skin cancer. We are all used to or should I say conditioned to fear the sun due to skin cancer.
Did you know the right balance can have lots of mood-lifting benefits?
I have read different articles about how the sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in our brains. One thought is that exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting our moods and helps us feel calm and focused. That is a happy mood, amen?
At night, darker lighting triggers the brain to make another hormone called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for helping you sleep.
Man! That is intelligent design, amen?
Without enough sun exposure, our serotonin levels can drop. Some articles have stated that low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
Hey! Listen, don’t you know that if we do not get enough of the SON we will be SAD also?
Is that cool or what? The parallel between our physical world and the spiritual world is unbelievable.
I think that is so just too cool.
Now back to the physical, 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. During the winter months (less sun) one of the main treatments for depression with seasonal pattern is light therapy, also known as phototherapy. You can get a light therapy box to have at home. The light from the box mimics natural sunlight that stimulates the brain to make serotonin and reduces excess melatonin.
Matthew 6:22 NLT “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light.
Is that awesome or what? Do you have your light therapy box? LOL. This is just awesome.
Without the SON we can be SAD (depressed) but if you will spend time in front of the light therapy box (BIBLE) you will reap the benefits, amen?
Tomorrow I will talk some more about the Sun and of course the Son.
Get some SON rays today!
Comments
Sun has so many places in our health and happiness, just like THE SON, loved this analogy!
Amen Deana Connell