It’s the time of year to soak up the sun. Now that the days are longer and warmer, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy being outdoors. Being in the sun feels good and is good for you—in moderation. Here are a few ways sunlight benefits our mental and physical health.
- Vitamin D: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. It’s essential for our bones, blood cells, and immune system. Vitamin D may also help reduce the risk of infections like flu and the common cold.
- Mood Booster: Sunlight exposure triggers the release of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. Spending time outdoors in the sun can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Better Sleep: Exposure to natural sunlight during the day helps regulate your body's internal clock, which can make it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
- Enhanced Skin Health: Sunlight can help people with certain skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Moderate exposure to UV radiation can help reduce inflammation and alleviate their symptoms.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Sunlight exposure has been linked to lower blood pressure levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Sunlight stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the skin, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.
- Better Eye Health: Sunlight exposure is important for developing and maintaining healthy eyes. Natural sunlight contains blue light, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and may reduce the risk of conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) in children.
- Increased Productivity: Exposure to natural light during the day has been shown to improve cognitive function, concentration, and productivity. Adding more sunlight to your daily routine could help you feel more alert and focused.
While sun exposure has many benefits, it's crucial to enjoy it responsibly. Too much of it could lead to sunburn, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your time in the sun safely:
- Check the Time:The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to limit your exposure during these peak hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for enjoying the sun while minimizing risks.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Choose lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin from direct sunlight. Dark-colored clothing with a tight weave offers better protection than light-colored or loosely woven fabrics.
The difference can be dramatic. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a long-sleeved denim shirt provides an SPF of about 1,700, while a white t-shirt provides an SPF of about 7.
- Use Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed skin areas at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Be sure to reapply every two hours—or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Look for Shade: Enjoy the outdoors under trees, umbrellas, or canopies, especially during peak sun hours. UV rays can still reach you even in the shade, so make sure you’re still using sun protection.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Dark lenses don’t necessarily mean sun protection, so be sure to look for sunglasses labeled with UV 400 or "100% UV protection" for optimal eye safety.
- Stay Hydrated: Sun exposure can increase the risk of dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Watch Out for Reflections: Surfaces like water, sand, snow, and concrete can reflect UV radiation and increase your overall exposure. Be sure to apply sunscreen more often and wear protective clothing in those environments.
- Check the day’s UV Index: Before heading outdoors, check the UV index for your area on a weather app. The UV index measures the strength of the sun's UV radiation and helps you gauge the level of sun protection you need.
- Pay Attention to Your Body: If you start to feel overheated, dizzy, or nauseated, seek shade immediately and drink plenty of water. These could be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Now that we’ve reviewed how to safely enjoy some fun in the sun, let’s take a look at some great places to do it! Consider these hotels located in top vacation destinations.
Hawaii
Explore a sun-soaked paradise while staying on IHG Army Hotels on Fort Shafter. Located in the heart of Honolulu, you’re close to some of the best attractions Hawaii has to offer.
Take in amazing views from the top of Diamond Head, a dormant volcano with hiking trails.
Honor the heroes of Pearl Harbor during a visit to the USS Arizona. Sunbathe, swim or grab a board at Waikiki Beach, the birthplace of modern surfing. When you’re ready to cool off, hike to the base of Manoa Falls, which is located in a beautiful rainforest that’s been featured in Jurassic Park and Lost.
Puerto Rico
Experience vibrant Caribbean culture and Old World charm while staying at Holiday Inn Express El Caney Lodge on Fort Buchanan. Nestled in the heart of San Juan, there is plenty to do and see. Relax the day away on Condado Beach or enjoy some recreation at La Ventana al Mar, which means “the window to the sea.” Go back in time with a tour of the San Juan National Historic Site, featuring a fortress built to defend San Juan in the 17th and 18th centuries. And no trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a walking tour of Old San Juan. Stoll along cobblestone streets as you explore the area’s many museums, shops and restaurants.
Colorado
If your ideal getaway is more turf than surf, head over to IHG Army Hotels Candlewood Suites on Fort Carson. You’re just a short drive from Colorado Springs and all kinds of Rocky Mountain majesty.
Hike around the dramatic rock formations at the Garden of the Gods, featuring more than 20 miles of trails inside the park. Drive up the world famous Pikes Peak or take a round trip on the Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Get up close to the animals of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and feed one of the largest giraffe herds in the world.
Wherever you travel this season, enjoy the 5-star hospitality and accommodations of IHG Army Hotels. With properties on 40 Army locations across the US, we’re an excellent choice when making summer vacation plans.
Pack your sunscreen and we’ll see you soon!
Lendlease is the owner, design-builder, asset manager, and the exclusive developer for the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolio, the Department of Defense’s only lodging privatization program. IHG Hotel & Resorts is the hotel operator and manager of IHG Army Hotels.