How to Enjoy the Sun Safely While Supporting Your Health

In the coming weeks, the weather is set to warm up and, hopefully, we’ll finally see a little more sunshine.

As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about health and wellbeing, I think the sunshine debate has become quite confusing over the years. On one hand, we’re told to avoid the sun, while on the other hand we’re seeing more people become aware of the importance of Vitamin D and spending time outdoors.

I am 46 years old and, if I’m honest, I spent most of my younger years outside. Summers were spent at the beach, walking, swimming, exploring and generally enjoying the fresh air. We didn’t spend every minute worrying about the sun, but we also used common sense. If we got too hot, we’d find some shade or put on a t-shirt.

Today, I think it’s important to find a healthy balance.

Sunlight plays an important role in our wellbeing. Spending sensible amounts of time outdoors can help support our Vitamin D levels, encourage physical activity, improve our mood and help us feel more connected to nature. For many of us, modern life means spending far more time indoors than previous generations, whether that’s working at a desk, driving, or sitting in front of screens.

Whenever possible, I try to spend some time outside every day. Even a short walk, some gardening, or simply sitting in the fresh air can make a real difference to how we feel.

Reconnecting with Nature

One thing I have noticed over the years is how much less time many of us spend outdoors.

Children who once spent hours building dens, climbing trees, riding bikes and exploring fields now often spend much of their free time indoors. Adults are no different. We drive to work, sit at desks, come home and spend our evenings in front of televisions, phones and computers.

Perhaps one of the simplest things we can do for our health is reconnect with nature. It doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains or running marathons. It could be a walk with the dog, sitting in the garden with a cup of tea, tending to a vegetable patch, or simply taking ten minutes to enjoy some fresh air.

Nature has a way of slowing us down. It reminds us that life isn’t supposed to be lived at full speed all the time.

Health is About Balance

I don’t believe health should be driven by fear.

It’s not about being scared of the sun, scared of food, or worried about every ingredient we come across. Equally, it’s not about ignoring common sense.

Too much sun can be harmful, but so can spending every day indoors. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is balance.

When we look back at previous generations, many of the healthiest habits were often the simplest. Home-cooked meals, time spent outdoors, physical activity built into daily life, and strong family and community connections all played an important role in overall wellbeing.

Modern life has brought many conveniences, but perhaps we’ve lost some of those simple habits along the way.

Why I Prefer Natural Products

Over the last decade, I’ve become increasingly interested in simple, traditional ingredients.

Whether it’s bone broth, fermented foods, kefir, tallow or natural skincare, I’ve found myself drawn towards products that our grandparents would recognise. Ingredients that are simple, practical and have stood the test of time.

As consumers, I think it’s always worth taking an interest in what we put on our bodies as well as what we put into them. Reading ingredient labels, asking questions and making informed choices are all part of taking responsibility for our own health and wellbeing.

For those who choose to use sunscreen, I personally prefer mineral-based options that use non-nano zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens work differently to many conventional sunscreens, sitting on the surface of the skin to help reflect UV rays rather than relying on chemical UV filters.

Everyone will make their own choices, but for me, simpler ingredients are often the better option.

Supporting the Body Naturally

Of course, sunshine is only one piece of the puzzle.

Good health is built through many small daily habits. Nutritious food, quality sleep, movement, hydration, time outdoors, managing stress and spending time with the people we love all play an important role.

There is no miracle supplement, magic cream or quick fix.

Real health is usually built slowly through consistent choices made day after day. It’s not always exciting, but it works.

This philosophy is very much at the heart of what we do at British Broth Company. Whether it’s bone broth, kefir, tallow or natural foods, our goal has always been to create products that support simple, traditional approaches to wellbeing.

A Dorset Summer

Living in Dorset, we are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastline.

Some of my favourite moments are often the simplest ones. Walking the dogs, spending time at the beach, sitting in the garden on a warm evening, enjoying a family barbecue, or simply watching the children play outside.

These moments remind me that health isn’t just about what we eat or which products we buy.

It’s also about slowing down, appreciating the people around us, and making time to enjoy God’s creation.

In a world that often feels busy, noisy and overwhelming, there is something incredibly refreshing about stepping outside, feeling the warmth of the sun, breathing fresh air and reconnecting with the natural world around us.

Final Thoughts

So as the sunshine returns, my encouragement is simple.

Get outside whenever you can. Enjoy some sensible time in the sun. Protect your skin when needed. Spend more time in nature. Slow down a little. Make choices that feel right for you and your family.

Sometimes the simplest things are still the best things for our health.

And after a long British winter, I think most of us could do with a little more sunshine.