Two weeks ago, over Presidents Day weekend, temperatures reached 64 degrees, which to other states might seem mediocre, warranting a jacket and surely some pants, but for Chicagoans, people living in the Chicagoland area, many were wearing shorts and t-shirts, shorts and light sweaters, and some even dusting off their usual summer shoes, but above all, they were spending time outside. The sun was beaming on their faces as they walked their dogs, played some pickup basketball, or even just stood on their front step, simply basking in the warm rays of the sun.
Many noticed the more time they spent outside, the better they felt, like their problems were problems for tomorrow, and maybe everything would be just fine. Although some might just call this the Chicagoan mentality, a product of the continuous, almost brutal, cold winters that make us especially grateful for the tastes of warmth we get during the springtime, actually, everyone, no matter their location, finds immense benefits in access to sunlight both with regard to general health and mental health.
With regard to general health, sunlight plays a bigger role in our lives than most people realize. One of its main benefits is helping our bodies produce vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin.” When sunlight hits our skin, it helps us make this nutrient, which keeps our bones strong, supports our muscles, and helps our immune system fight off illness. When people don’t get enough sunlight, their bodies can struggle to stay healthy. In a time like Chicago’s winter, when many of us spend hours inside on our phones, laptops, or doing homework, simply going outside for a short walk can actually make a real difference.
Sunlight also helps support heart health. Studies show that being in the sun can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which takes stress off the heart. This lowers the risk of serious problems like heart disease and strokes. In addition, sunlight can help kill certain bacteria that live in indoor dust, improving air quality in homes and classrooms. Opening the blinds or sitting near a sunny window may not seem important, but it can make the space around us healthier.
Besides physical health, sunlight strongly affects mental health and the quality of our daily routines. Our bodies depend on natural light to keep our sleep schedule on track. Morning sunlight helps regulate our internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling rested. When we do not get enough sunlight, many people feel tired, unmotivated, or out of sync with their schedules.
Sunlight also boosts mood by increasing serotonin, a chemical in the brain linked to happiness and emotional balance. This is especially noticeable during winter, when cloudy skies and short days can lead to seasonal depression. That calm, hopeful feeling many people had during Chicago’s warm weekend was not just in their heads. It was their bodies responding to light and warmth.
However, even with all of these benefits, it is still important to be careful when spending time in the sun. Too much exposure to UV rays can damage your skin over time, especially when the UV index is 3 or higher, which means the sun is strong enough to cause harm. In Chicago, the risk is usually lower in the winter, but from spring through early fall, UV rays can still affect your skin even on cloudy or cool days. That is why wearing sunscreen, using shade, or even putting on a hat when you are outside for a while matters.
Overall, sunlight connects physical health, mental wellness, and emotional comfort in a simple but powerful way. The same warmth that pulled people outside on that rare nice weekend also supports our bodies and minds in ways that we often overlook. Whether it is strengthening bones, improving sleep, or lifting spirits, the sun quietly helps us reset and recharge. In moments when life feels overwhelming, stepping outside for a few minutes, feeling the warmth, and taking a breath can make a real difference.
