Benefits of the Summer Sun

I love it when I am looking at last year’s photos and come across images that remind me of my holidays and travels. It is hard to remember what the sun feels like, especially during the winter and in the UK where we have more grey skies than sun at this time of year. This photo was taken on a family holiday in Lyttos beach, Crete. It reminded me of why I love being by the beach, listening to the waves and enjoy the sun so much. Even during the autumn and winter months when the weather feels cold, if the sun is shining then I am smiling! Ok, ok so there are some other reasons why the sun gives me a big cheesy grin or that ‘healthy’ glow I live for every summer. Oh yes! There are some benefits between the relationship of sun exposure and your health. Here are four benefits of (moderate) sun exposure you should know about. 

1.     Enhances Mood

Regular sunlight exposure can increase your levels of serotonin in your body enhancing your mood, as well as help you to avoid common winter blues such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). An article by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducted a study on how to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. The researchers found a positive correlation between serotonin synthesis and exposure to bright light and an effective cure for non-seasonal depression. This suggests increased levels of serotonin can make you feel happier and more energetic.

2.     Boosts Your Vitamin D Supply

Sun exposure can help boost your supply of vitamin D, which promotes bone growth and prevent illnesses such as inflammation and osteoporosis. We can also get our supply of vitamin D from foods such as oily fish (salmon and tuna), milk and eggs but most of us just don’t eat enough of these foods to get a sufficient supply of vitamin D. Try exercising outside or going for a short walk during your lunch break a few times a week to boost vitamin D levels.

3.     Improves Sleep Quality

“What does the sun have to do with my sleep?” I hear you say. Now I love love my sleep and regular sunlight exposure can help our bodies to produce more levels of melatonin, a hormone that induces sleepiness by the pineal gland. So make sure you are getting enough sunlight so you can have a decent nights sleep.

4.     Lowers Blood Pressure

Skin exposure to UV rays release a compound, nitric oxide, which has been found to lower blood pressure. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology who compared two volunteer groups, suggests volunteers who sat under a UV ray lamp saw their blood pressure drop. This was compared to the group who sat under a lamp with UV rays blocked and saw no effect from the heat. These results were significant without changing vitamin D levels.

Remember to stay safe in the sun: Exposure to sunlight should be done moderately. Using prevention methods (such as sunscreen) should be used to protect your skin and avoid sunburn.  

Inspired in China

My visit to Shanghai and Beijing was one of the most inspiring trips I have taken. I really enjoyed experiencing the different types of food, the culture, history and amazing shopping. I can’t wait to visit again, climbing the great wall was a workout to say the least. Getting to the top of each watchtower (I think we got to eleven) was truly breathtaking.  I'm still trying to work out how the wall was built and how long did it take? The scenery was so beautiful, it made the long walk up worth it! I felt so grateful to have this experience! 

Steps leading up to a watch tower. 

Made it to the top!

The forbidden city, a collection of ancient buildings which was home to two dynasties of imperial rule. The buildings and interior were richly decorated. 

Grand doors.

Moat around imperial city. 

Spending the day in the 798 Art District was one of the highlights of the day. It was nice to take a stroll and view the different galleries showcased by Chinese artists. 

My kids loved these sculptures.

5 Quick Ways to Make Your Home a Haven

Happy New Year! I hope you have had a great start to 2017 so far? I love listening to the ideas of how others plan on living their year and all of the exciting things they intend to do. I for one have had a busy start to the year and it got me thinking about what helps me feel relaxed and calm in my busy environment. It is always nice to feel nurtured when you are in your home, so here are five quick tips you can add to your home making you feel relaxed and comfortable. 

1. Light a candle 

Candles produce a lovely ambience to your room, the flickering of the candlelight and warming glow are well know for their soothing properties as they create a relaxing environment. Scented candles is a great way to add a subtle fragrance to your home. There are candles with aromatherapy oils which are perfect at soothing the mind after a long day. The next time you have had a stressful day why not try and light a candle and notice how welcoming your room feels.

2. Add fresh flowers

I always love the feeling of having fresh flowers in my home. Especially greeting them in morning; the smell and different colours are enough to brighten up any room. It is always nice to give flowers, but how often do you treat yourself? This is just as important since studies have shown flowers are good for mental health. Not only do they look good, flowers improve mood and energy levels as well as add a design element to your room. 

3. Invest in a cozy throw to keep you warm

I'm sure I am not the only one who just can't chill on the sofa without a good heavy throw over my legs? It has become a thing in my house, even my boys like to pull a throw out of the basket and snuggle up on the sofa while reading or watching TV.  A good throw is an inexpensive purchase, it is uncomplicated allowing for comforting textures leaving you with a luxurious feel.

4. Lighting is everything

Introducing some good lighting will add warmth and ambience to your room. Not only is it functional, it also adds warmth creating a welcoming environment. Use a mixture of lighting in your home: overhead lights, lamps, LED fairy lights, or build in a dimmer switch to create the ideal mood lighting.

5. Add a soothing scent

Introducing scents to your home can trigger some positive sensations and emotions. I like to use fragrance diffusers and place it as close to the front door as possible, giving me a good whiff of aroma when I come home after a busy day. Fragrance diffusers encourage us to be more productive by charging our brain cells, it is also a great way to help us relax by nurturing and soothing our mood.  Why not try this money saving way to add some luxurious scents to your home.