The right amount of melatonin ensures you have a good night’s sleep-and wake feeling rejuvenated. The melatonin-producing part of your brain (the pineal gland) is directly affected by access to light-it remains inactive during the day and is switched on when darkness sets in. Melatonin is a hormone that controls your body’s internal clock (basically, it makes you sleepy). Getting a doctor-recommended dose of sunlight can also help you feel refreshed and relaxed by helping regulate your body’s melatonin production. Natural Light Normalizes Your Sleep Schedule Vitamin D also improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure by literally relaxing your blood vessels. It can also elevate mood and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Going outside to “get some vitamin D” has become something of a refrain-parents use it to admonish their kids for playing too many video games and sunshine-deprived office workers use it as an excuse to take their fifth coffee break-but what does vitamin D actually do for you? By helping maximize calcium absorption, vitamin D promotes bone and dental health. Vitamin D Helps Your Body Function More Efficiently Spending time in the great outdoors has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, help you find clarity, and rejuvenate your mind and body. That feeling of bliss that washes over you when you “get away from it all” isn’t just in your head.