Sun is Coming!

How Getting Outside Boosts Your Mental Health

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us start to feel a noticeable lift in our mood—and it’s not just in your head. Spending time outside during warmer months can have powerful benefits for your mental well-being, and one key player in that equation is vitamin D.

The Sunshine Vitamin and Your Mind

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body naturally produces it when exposed to sunlight. It plays a critical role in bone health and immune function, but it also has a growing reputation for supporting mental health.

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition that affects people during the darker months of the year. Although research is ongoing, many studies suggest that healthy vitamin D levels are associated with:

• Improved mood

• Reduced risk of depression

• Better cognitive performance

• Enhanced emotional resilience
  

Sunlight, Serotonin, and Your Brain

Beyond vitamin D, sunlight itself has an uplifting effect on the brain. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm—your internal body clock—which affects sleep, energy, and mood. It also boosts the brain’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and calm.

This is why even just a short walk in the sun can feel so restorative. Your body responds on a biochemical level, helping to lower stress and increase a sense of well-being.

The Power of Nature

It’s not just about the light—being outdoors has benefits all on its own. Nature exposure has been shown to:

• Lower cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone)

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety

• Improve attention and focus

• Increase mindfulness and a sense of connectedness

Time in green spaces—even a park or garden—can create a buffer against the everyday stressors of life. For those who struggle with depression or burnout, outdoor activities like walking, gardening, or even simply sitting in the sun can be surprisingly therapeutic.

Practical Ways to Soak It In

You don’t need to spend hours outside to reap the benefits. Here are a few simple ways to integrate more sunlight and nature into your day:

• Morning sunlight: Aim for 10–15 minutes of sun exposure earlier in the day to help regulate sleep and mood.

• Daily walks: A quick walk around the block or lunch in the park can make a noticeable difference.

• Outdoor mindfulness: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or gratitude journaling outside.

• Nature breaks: Step outside between meetings or errands—no activity needed, just enjoy the moment.
  

A Note of Caution

While sun exposure is important, it’s still essential to practice safe sun habits—especially if you have fair or sensitive skin. Always balance your time in the sun with proper sun protection to avoid the risk of sunburn or skin damage.

In Summary

Sunshine, fresh air, and warm weather can do wonders for your mental health. Whether it’s the boost in vitamin D, the calming effect of nature, or the gentle increase in serotonin, spending time outside is one of the simplest, most natural ways to support emotional well-being.

If you’re struggling with mood, energy, or motivation, integrating outdoor time into your routine might be a powerful step forward. And of course, if you’re feeling persistently down or overwhelmed, we’re here to help—your mental health matters, and you're not alone. We hope that you enjoyed reading our blog post! Here at Connections Counseling in Colorado Springs, our team strives to provide compassionate mental health care through psychoeducation and empathetic therapy sessions. Our therapists are working on learning and refining their counseling methods everyday to provide the best mental health care to our patients. Weekly, we will be adding more blog posts regarding counseling ideology and psychoeducation with articles on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management and much more! 

Located in South Colorado Springs, CO, Connections Counseling is here to help!

Call us today!

719-428-5125

Accepted insurances: AETNA PPO, Cigna PPO, United Health Care, as well as any insurance currently accepted by Sondermind.com

Services: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy; EMDR