How to harness the power of the sun to fight your menopausal depression

Have you ever thought of moving to a sunnier climate when you retire? Or sat crammed behind an office desk and daydreamed about a Caribbean vacation? There's a reason why these ideas seem to instantly lift your mood. It's the sun.

More specifically, it's the way that sunlight encourages your brain to produce serotonin. Quite simply, whenever your eyes perceive bright light and the glow makes contact with your retina, the brain receives a message that prompts it to make serotonin. This chemical is responsible for dissipating negative emotions and putting you at ease. As it turns out, there is no need to take Prozac; bright light is the cheapest and most natural way to fight menopausal depression.

A second and equally important benefit of sunlight is its ability to enable your skin to produce vitamin D when you absorb it. This fat-soluble nutrient is actually a hormone, and like all hormones it can get out of balance during menopause. Vitamin D is important for your body because it plays a vital role in heart health, skeletal development, and strong immunity, among other body systems. All of these systems can be negatively impacted by fluctuating hormones, but vitamin D helps to cushion the blow a little.

So how can you harness solar power for a happier you during menopause? Here are five simple tips.

Get sunlight

This may seem like the obvious place to start, but it's worth repeating once or twice. The best times of day to capitalize on sunlight are between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. However, remember to be cautious; too much sun is damaging to the skin.

Go without sunscreen for a little while

If you already spend a lot of time in the sun, you may be sure to get more than enough vitamin D and serotonin. However, sunscreen can sometimes block the rays that give you the power to produce these much needed hormones. In order to make sure you're getting a healthy dose of vitamin D, try waiting for a few minutes before putting on sunscreen. But do remember to put it on after no more than ten minutes in the sun.

Do some winter lounging

If it's freezing outside and you can't imagine sunbathing in the backyard, you can still get your sunlight through a window. On a sunny winter day, try sitting by a big window to let the sunlight hit you without catching a chill.

Relocate

Sometimes the problem isn't your daily habits but the weather. If you live in a particularly dreary climate, moving is worth a consideration to combat depression. Ditch your raincoat and umbrella for a sunnier climate, and think of it as a new, depression-free start.

Get a light box

If you live in a dreary climate and moving isn't a possibility for you, you can get your sunshine in a box-literally. Although the natural stuff is best, it is possible to purchase a high-intensity light box made specifically for absorbing some rays.

A recommendation for menopausal depression

Although it is often the quickest way to get vitamin D, sunlight isn't the only way to obtain this nutrient. You can also pay special attention to your diet and make it a goal to eat more foods rich in vitamin D, like fish and eggs. Click here to read more about treatments for menopausal depression.

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