You were told to fear it. I was too. But let’s get real — is the sun really the villain here?
Hey mama, let’s talk sunshine.
Not the fluffy Instagram kind, but the big old ball of fire in the sky that literally gives life to everything on Earth — including those tomatoes you’re growing and the mood boost you get after three days of rain.
If you’ve ever been told “stay out of the sun or you’ll get sick/wrinkle/die” — same. But what if I told you that our fear of the sun might be more myth than fact?
Let’s break it down:
A little sun, a lot of common sense, and a big shift in mindset.
So, why do we need the sun?
1. Vitamin D — the sunshine vitamin
We literally can’t function without vitamin D. It helps regulate calcium, boosts immunity, supports hormone production, and has even been linked to mental health.
Here’s the catch: you can’t get enough from food alone. Supplements help, but natural sunlight triggers your skin to make real-deal, bioavailable vitamin D.
Mom Tip: Low vitamin D levels have been linked to fatigue, depression, anxiety, and even weakened bones in kids. So yes, go play outside.
2. Mood booster like no other
Ever noticed how your toddler melts down less after an afternoon in the sun? That’s not just in your head. Sunlight increases serotonin — your natural “feel good” hormone.
Studies show that sun exposure can help regulate sleep, improve mood, and support mental health. So that walk to the river is basically therapy. Free therapy.
3. Natural circadian rhythm regulator
Screens mess it up. Late-night TikToks don’t help. But sunlight resets your body clock.
Morning sunlight tells your brain “hey, it’s time to be awake!” and helps you fall asleep easier later.
A morning coffee outside in your pj’s? That’s homeschooling science.
What did ancient cultures know that we forgot?
From the Egyptians worshipping Ra to the Greeks recognizing Helios as the bringer of life — sunlight was seen as sacred. Healing. Essential.
Ancient Greeks used “heliotherapy” — that’s fancy talk for sun exposure — to treat wounds, skin conditions, and even mood disorders.
Modern science is just catching up to what ancient people have already known for years..
But isn’t the sun “dangerous”?
Yes — and so is water if you drink too much. It’s all about balance.
Excessive sun without protection or common sense can lead to sunburn, skin damage, or long-term issues. But the complete avoidance of sun? That has its own dangers — including vitamin D deficiency, poor immune function, and depression.
Instead of hiding from it, let’s learn how to work with it:
Aim for early morning or late afternoon sun
Keep sessions short and build tolerance
Don’t overdo it — 15 to 30 minutes is enough for most skin types
Use natural protection like hats, long sleeves, and shade
Skip the chemical-laden sunscreens when you can — or opt for mineral ones
🌱 How the sun fits into the homesteading lifestyle
As a homesteading, homeschooling mama — the sun is basically part of our curriculum.
Here’s how:
🌿 Our garden needs it to grow
🐓 Our animals bask in it for health and happiness
👣 Our barefoot nature walks wouldn’t be the same without that warm light on our backs
🧠 Our bodies and brains function better when we’re in sync with the sun
Don’t fear the light
You weren’t made to spend your life under fluorescent bulbs and LED screens. Your kids weren’t either. The sun is free, abundant, and powerful. Like most good things in life, it just needs to be respected, not feared.
So next time someone tells you the sun is dangerous, just smile and say:
“Funny how the thing that makes everything grow is suddenly bad for us. I’ll take my chances — and my vitamin D.”
📬 Want more truths like this?
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