I have practiced in sun-drenched gardens, on sandy beaches and in the quiet solitude of my own backyard. Each setting offers a unique communion with nature. The warmth of the sun on my skin helps relax my muscles, allowing me to move into poses with a feeling of ease and flexibility. The natural light illuminates the path ahead, both literally and figuratively. But what’s really going on? Is there a deeper scientific reason for this feeling of well-being, or is it simply the romantic idea of a yogi in harmony with nature? To get to the bottom of this, I looked for someone who knows the science behind health and well-being like few others: Fredrik Paulún.
Fredrik Paulún is a name synonymous with health and nutrition in Sweden and beyond. As an international bestselling author and a true expert in the field, he was the perfect person to shed light on my sun-soaked questions. When I sat down with him, I wanted to understand not only the ‘what’, but also the ‘how’ and the ‘why’. How does the sun actually help with yoga and being outside while practicing? Our conversation was an eye-opener, confirmed many of my long-held intuitions, and provided a scientific basis for the magic I have felt for twenty years.
“The connection between the sun and our bodies is fundamental,” Fredrik began in a calm and authoritative voice. “We evolved under the sun. Our circadian rhythms, our mood, our metabolism are all strongly influenced by light exposure. When you practice yoga outdoors, you’re not just exercising; you’re synchronizing your entire being with the natural rhythm of the planet.”
The symbiosis of sun and yoga: a deep dive into science
Our discussion quickly moved from the philosophical to the physiological. Fredrik explained that the influence of the sun on our body during exercise is multifaceted. The most obvious advantage is of course the production of vitamin D. When our skin is exposed to UVB rays, it synthesizes this crucial nutrient. “Vitamin D is not just for the bones,” Fredrik explained. “It plays a key role in muscle function, immune health and even mood regulation. For a yoga practitioner, this means better muscle tone and less fatigue. It also means a stronger immune system, which is essential for consistent practice.”
He elaborated on the importance of muscle function. “A body with adequate vitamin D levels is more efficient. This translates into better muscle performance and a reduced risk of injury, which is a huge benefit for a physical practice like yoga. It’s like having a well-oiled machine. And beyond the physical, vitamin D has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mental clarity. This is especially relevant to yoga, a practice that aims to unite body and mind.”
But the benefits don’t stop there. Fredrik brought the concept of circadian rhythms. “Sunlight is the most important signal for our body’s internal clock,” he said. “Practicing yoga outside, especially in the morning, helps set this clock. This leads to better sleep patterns, which are crucial for recovery and overall health. When your circadian rhythm is in sync, your hormone production, metabolism and even your cognitive function are optimized.”
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