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The Importance of Sunlight for Your Mental Wellbeing

It’s been a glorious few spring days here in the UK since the clocks changed and you’ve probably found your mood has improved as a result. Let’s talk about why sunlight is so important for us.

The Importance of Sunlight for Your Mental Wellbeing

Sunlight is more than just a source of warmth and light—it’s a powerful force that influences our mental and emotional health. In an age where many of us spend long hours indoors, understanding the psychological benefits of sunlight can be a game-changer for improving mood, reducing stress, and boosting overall wellbeing.

How Sunlight Affects Your Mind

Sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that dictates sleep, mood, and energy levels. When natural light hits your skin and eyes, it triggers a cascade of positive effects in your brain:

  • Boosts Serotonin Levels: Exposure to sunlight increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. Higher serotonin levels help combat feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability.

  • Regulates Sleep Cycles: Natural light influences melatonin production, the hormone that helps you sleep. Getting sunlight early in the day can improve sleep quality by reinforcing a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Sunlight helps lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Stepping outside for even a short period can create a sense of calm and relaxation.

  • Improves Cognitive Function: Research suggests that exposure to natural light can enhance focus, memory, and productivity.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sunlight

For many, the absence of sunlight—especially in winter—can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to reduced daylight exposure. Symptoms include low energy, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Regular exposure to natural light, or the use of light therapy lamps, can help alleviate these symptoms.

Sunlight

How to Get More Sunlight in Your Daily Life

Modern lifestyles often keep us indoors, but simple changes can help you maximise your sun exposure:

  • Start your day with a short morning walk to signal your body to wake up naturally.

  • Take outdoor breaks during the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

  • Exercise outside instead of at the gym when possible.

  • Consider light therapy if natural sunlight is limited.

Sunlight is a natural, free, and effective way to enhance mental wellbeing. By making an effort to step outside and embrace natural light, you can support your mood, improve sleep, and reduce stress. In a world that keeps us indoors, reconnecting with the sun might be one of the simplest yet most powerful things you can do for your mind.

Common Therapies

I’m often asked what can hypnotherapy be used to treat and it’s such a difficult question to answer because the answer is just about anything where the subconscious is involved. Sometimes whatever that is doesn’t have an obvious connection to the subconscious so if you’re wondering if hypnotherapy can help you, the answer is most likely yes!

I’ve given a little more detail on some of the more common things I work with, however this is not an exhaustive list by any means. Feel free to contact me to find out how hypnotherapy can help you.

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Testimonial

Here is a review from someone just like you!

Paulina Humphriss

Paulina Humphriss

New Leaf

“I found Helen because I had a very poor relationship with food. I absolutely loved sweets and could easily eat a full chocolate bar, and more, in one go

I never left food on my plate and I always had to finish everything to make sure I wasn’t wasting anything. I also obsessively thought about food and tied my self worth to my body.

I had tried every fad diet out there, but they never worked in the long run. But even when they did, I still didn’t feel comfortable in my body and stayed very negative toward myself.

Thanks to the work I’ve done with Helen, I can now enjoy sweets and the foods I love in moderation and sometimes, I even say no to dessert! (yes, this’s possible!). I no longer feel the need to finish every bite on my plate and most importantly I love and appreciate my body just as it is. I know now that I am so much more than how I look.

It’s been two years since I worked with Helen, and I still see the difference. I still listen to the hypnotherapy track and use the techniques she provided. Hypnotherapy didn’t just change my mindset for a short time it truly changed how I think for good.

Thank you so much, Helen!”

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