From the restorative power of the ocean to the immune-boosting properties of sunshine, summer is the season of radiance and joy for a reason. Here, we look at why we feel so good when the sun is shining.

Life is full of many great pleasures, but nothing quite compares to the specific joy the summer months bring. From devouring a good book outdoors to spending time bobbing on a boat, to tucking into fish & chips at the beach, or the first cool ocean dip of the season — summer is filled with moments that soothe the soul. But, there’s more to those serotonin spikes than meets the eye. Both the sun (and the vitamin D we absorb from its rays), and the ocean (dubbed vitamin sea for a reason) boast myriad benefits, bolstering both our physical and mental health in unprecedented ways. 

Solar Salve

The benefits we reap from vitamin D are vast. And, while we know diligent sun protection is vital when it comes to catching rays (particularly in our corner of the world), the vitamin D produced in our skin after being exposed to the sun has been proven to offer astounding health benefits. Colloquially called ‘the sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is essential for maintaining overall health — both physical and mental.

Crucial for bones (adequate levels can prevent conditions like osteoporosis), immunity — with vitamin D playing a significant role in boosting our immune system and even proven to prevent colds and flus, bolstering heart health, improving fertility, and more, with exposure also linked to reducing the risk of many cancers, ultimately, vitamin D supercharges our health on unprecedented levels, and is essential for longevity.  

And, beyond physical health, research also suggests that vitamin D can contribute to better mental wellbeing, reducing the risk of depression and mood disorders. We all know anecdotally how much better we feel when getting regular sunshine across the warmer months (Seasonal Affective Disorder is no joke), but there’s real science behind it. The skin makes beta-endorphins when exposed to the sun, which gives you a similar rush to that experienced post-workout. 

Healing Waters

The allure of the ocean is omnipresent for many of us, and, come summer, it’s to the vastness of the sea that we turn. Be it for reprieve from the heat, moments of calm, entertainment, or simply pleasure, the sea is the central axis from which our summer plans revolve. But, its appeal goes beyond pleasure alone. It’s no secret that there are myriad benefits to connecting with nature, and science has uncovered how much can be gained from time spent in green spaces, but the perks of the ocean are lesser-known. 

Without delving too deeply into the science of it all, ‘ocean air’ (much more than a whiff of salt) is known to increase the flow of oxygen around the body, boosting serotonin levels in the process. Moreover, floating in mineral-rich sea water is not only great for your skin and detoxifying for your body, but can reduce stress to meditative levels. This state of relaxation is heightened by the sounds and sights of the ocean, which have been scientifically linked to a relaxed mindstate. 

As these benefits become more widely recognised, a healthy dose of vitamin sea is now even being prescribed as part of therapy treatments. And the wellness and beauty industries are fast jumping on the bandwagon, too, imbuing products with marine extracts — from algae to seaweed, capitalising on each element’s specific attributes.