Now’s the time for SUNSHINE

CBeebies medic, Dr Ranj Singh, shares scientific reasons to love the longer, brighter days of summer

Dr Ranj is encouraging families to hurry outside to tap into some bountiful, beneficial natural light, before it’s too late and the nights start drawing in. The Get Well Soon hospital doctor leads by example, saying he loves getting out into the park and harnessing the extra boost of productivity that the longer days help to kick start in his system. “Summer is my favourite time of year.Ifind that when we have brighter, longer days it automatically elevates my mood and increases my productivity. “Not only do I achieve more, but I get the urge to be more active too. I cannot wait to get outside and go for a walk around the park! “As the days get sunnier and longer, it’s important to make the most of them whilst they last. Here are five reasons why it’s good to get outside…”

Delightful D
Exposure to sunlight for short periods of time helps the body produce Vitamin D, essential for healthy bones, but also implicated in preventing a range of other conditions from asthma and cancer, to diabetes and multiple sclerosis

Sleep tight
Exposure to daylight helps to regulate some of the body’s natural biological rhythms and can help regulate sleep

Healthy hearts
Getting outdoors y leads to increased physical activity, which is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system as well as reducing the risk of obesity and long-term medical problems

Feel-good factor
Play in outside spaces encourages social interaction and development, as well as enhancing mood, which helps boost mental wellbeing

Brain training
Exploring the outside environment encourages curiosity, imagination and the formation of new ideas, all of which are important for mental development

Our summer tips for...
STAYING INDOORS With simple changes you can brighten up family life and soak in more beneficial daylight – without the fuss of decamping from home. Time for a couple of extra jobs around the home? Polishing up your window panes helps let in maximum daylight for energizing results. Or position your dining table next to a sunny window, if possible. This furniture move helps everyone soak up nourishing bursts of daylight. GLORIOUS GARDENS Making the effort to move small snippets of life outdoors is well worth it. Families who’ve invested in garden furniture could aim to sit outdoors seven days a week (weather allowing), and not just on special occasions or weekends. Taking snacks outdoors is a good way to soak up natural light, with the added bonus of saving carpets from crumbs. Reading or creating art together outside, bundled up underablanket if the breeze sets in, also reduces screen time and ups children’s natural light quota.

LIGHT FANTASTIC Always look on the bright side – even on cloudy days, outdoor light is lots brighter than indoor lighting. Outdoor light helps to balance out screen time and might encourage healthier eyesight in youngsters, research suggests. Remember, don’t forget sun screen, hats and shades on hot, sunny days.

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