10 Top Benefits of Getting Some Sunshine on Your Brain


It is summertime around here and I really cannot get enough sunshine on my brain.

Okay, maybe not sunshine directly on my brain, but sunshine that directly benefits my brain. Making sure to expose yourself to sufficient sunshine can go a long way in boosting both brain-derived neurotrophic factor as well as vitamin-D. More and more comes out about the benefits of sunshine, so let’s jump into them a little more.

Benefits From Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

  1. Grow new brain cells: We can all use a few more, so why not help out the process. The damage can really be reversed.
  2. Develop new connections: This can get a bit heady, so let’s keep it simple. Increase connections of neurons within the brain and with other parts of the body=the body and brain both function better=you being happy that they all work better and faster!
  3. Easier learning: I guess I should have gotten some more sunshine in college. Oh well, still doing plenty of learning now and will continue until the day I die. I think I’ll choose the make it easier route.
  4. Better memory: Young, old or in between. Most everybody wants a better memory.
  5. Protects against neurodegenerative disease: With Alzheimer’s being the #6 cause of death in the US, this cannot be overlooked. Do you best to protect against dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by enough exposure and boosting your BDNF.

Benefits From Vitamin D

  1. Better memory: Sure it was repeated, but did you remember it from the first time around?
  2. Increased cognitive function: “My boy’s wicked smaht.” This is for those who are Good Will Hunting fans. Sorry for those who aren’t, since you didn’t like them apples. Either way go see the movie while in the sunshine and you can get smarter.
  3. Decreased degeneration: Sure, a small amount of decline is probable. With so many things leading to degeneration of the brain, at least try to slow it down.
  4. Anti-inflammatory: Some inflammation is good, chronic is bad. Often times the brain is being bathed with inflammation from too many sources (food, stress, toxins, etc.). Give it some vitamin-D for a little extra anti-inflammatory boost.
  5. Immune boosting: This is always a biggie. Do not let the immune system attack and destroy parts of the brain. Keep it strong to keep all parts of the body healthy.

How Much Sunshine?

Great question and that is why you need to check in on next week’s post to find out what is The Perfect Amount of Sunshine for Each of Us.

If you are wondering how the health of your brain is, I have the answer. Check out this FREE Brain Health Quiz to find out where you are at and you will also be eligible for my new free book “The 4 Morning Secrets to Perfect Brain Health” shipped to your door.

Have a Great Day!
Nick Horowski

reference article:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23133609