The sun, the source of all growth, is vital to our life activities. Especially in the cold season, when sunlight becomes gentle rather than blazing as in summer, it is an excellent time for us to enjoy the sun’s blessings.

Sunbathing in the cold season is like taking a tonic that benefits the body’s health, and its benefits are beyond those of ordinary tonics. Today, let’s talk about the many benefits of sun exposure in the cold season.

1. Improve mood, stay away from depression

In cold seasons, with reduced daylight hours, secretion of chemicals like serotonin decreases, which can lead to low mood and lack of energy. Sunlight is a "happiness source" that stimulates the brain to release serotonin; it can help dispel gloom, enhance attention, and make work and life more energetic.

Consider going outdoors with friends after lunch or in the early morning to feel the warmth and pleasure brought by sunlight.

2. Boost immunity, prevent disease

Vitamin D is a key nutrient that regulates immune cell differentiation and enhances respiratory tract resistance. Sun exposure is the primary way to increase vitamin D intake.

Increasing sun exposure so the body is filled with the energy of sunlight can effectively prevent acute respiratory infections and make the body healthier.

3. Strengthen bones and increase muscle

Vitamin D affects the absorption and balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body, helps maintain bone health, and is highly beneficial for the prevention and treatment of rickets in children and osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly people.

The main source of vitamin D in the human body is the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to vitamin D under ultraviolet irradiation from sunlight. Sun exposure is the primary way to increase vitamin D intake; if sunlight exposure is insufficient, vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency can easily occur.

Reduced vitamin D is associated with decreased muscle function. Sunlight-mediated supplementation of vitamin D can improve muscle strength and gait in elderly people, regulate calcium metabolism, promote the role of calcium in muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission, and thereby enhance muscle strength.

4. Longevity benefits and reduced mortality

A study published in Annual Review of Internal Medicine indicates that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk, while appropriate sun exposure promotes vitamin D absorption and thereby reduces mortality risk. In addition, more sun exposure helps maintain cardiovascular health and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Sun exposure is more effective in cold seasons!

(1) Ultraviolet rays have poor penetration; sunning behind glass is ineffective—go outdoors.

(2) Do not use an umbrella and do not apply sunscreen.

(3) The optimal time for sun exposure is 10:00–14:00, each session 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times per week.

(4) When sunning, both hands can be exposed to sunlight; if temperature permits, hats and scarves may be removed to expose the head and neck.

(5) Elderly people and those with dark skin require longer exposure, with bodily comfort as the guiding principle.

(6) On cloudy or rainy days, outdoor exercise is still beneficial for physical and mental health.

(7) Children's skin is delicate and should not be exposed to strong sunlight or for prolonged periods. Protect the eyes while sunbathing.