Top Up Your Energy
The clocks have gone back, and the days are now shorter so it’s now more important than ever to ensure you get outside and soak up that winter sun
On a cold, crisp day, I enjoy nothing more than a walk outside in the winter sunshine. Wrapped up warm, a short walk can do wonders for your health. Not only does a brisk walk (around 20 minutes) help to lower blood pressure, but if you are stuck in an office all day a lack of vitamin D (which you get from natural sunlight) can affect your mood, energy, your skin, sleep, bone and hair loss.
In the winter months, when the sun is sparse, we may need to increase our Vitamin D intake by taking supplements or ensuring we are eating foods which contain Vitamin D, such as oily fish, nuts and seeds, some cereals, cheese and low fat yoghurts.
However, it’s been revealed that only 38 per cent of people living in the north west receive up to 30 minutes of sunlight a day in the winter, with seven per cent receiving no sunlight at all.
The research, conducted by Sol beer, sheds a light on the number of people who don’t get enough sun in the north west region, with other findings including:
• 77 per cent of people* agree that having an adequate amount of sunshine per day is important to improving their mood and 73 per cent say it’s important for keeping their energy levels high
• 52 per cent agree that a lack of sun leaves them feeling deflated, followed by 54 per cent who says it leaves them with low energy
• 34 per cent of people said that a better quality of life would be the main reason to influence a move outside of the UK, followed by better weather (31 per cent) and less stress (eight per cent)
If you start to feel tired, have lots of aches and pains and generally don’t feel yourself, this could be a sign that you are suffering from a lack of Vitamin D. Try to take a walk at lunch three to four times a week and get out with the family at weekend. If you are concerned, always go and see your GP who will advise on the right supplements to be taking and check that there isn’t anything else underlying.
* Research conducted in partnership with Markettiers. A nationally representative sample of 2,001 UK Adults (18+). Please note any reference above to ‘people’ refers to respondents living within the north west region.
