So June is an amazing time in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is the home of midsummer, it is when nature is in full glory, the light is optimal and for human beings it really is the month to live our best wellbeing life.
Here are just a few facts that you really need to know.
Vitamin D is a by-product of sun exposure and the majority of western society is vitamin D deficient which leads to issues within everything from muscle function to bone metabolism, brain functioning and psyhcological wellbeing.
Research has shown that over 83% of individuals who report mental health unwellness are also vitamin D deficient. Depression, chronic stress, anxiety and general cognitive dysfunction have all be associated with Vit D deficiency too.
June is a good month to get that sunshine, get outside and soak it all in to promote Vitamin D production in your body.
Being able to sustain attention on tasks is stronger and easier in Summer, so now is a good time to get stuff done, rather than wait until winter when it really is like treading through treacle!
The cerebellum or the ‘little brain’ grows larger in the summer. This area of the brain coordinates the ease and fluidity of complex movements, along with cogntitive function such as planning of motor functions.
This will support play, games, constructing things,
Interestingly subcortical structures within the brain that control complex functions like learning, motivation, decision-making, emotional and sensory processing shrink in the summer months.
The brain is extremely energy expensive and it is posited that the changes in volume and structure are to help with reducing energy needed in order that it can be boosted when the season and climate demands of it. This is an evolutionary benefit that was essential for the survival of our ancestors and although now humans do not have the same pressures and stresses of existential living of those early humans, the brain and body have not evolved further to take this into consideration.
This is why it is important to know these things then you can work with your brain and body with the cycles, not against them!
Let us consider our hormonal world, in particular our hypothalamus and its influence on our circadian rhythm and homestasis in summer.
Cortisol levels are higher in summer than in winter. This leads to the fight or flight response in the body. This it is suggested is because of a rise in temperature and the need to live differently. Not many do.
The hypothalamus is your hormone master centre in your brain.
It releases hormones
Manages homeostasis cycles
Controls appetite
Manages sexual behaviour
Regulates emotional responses
Regulates body temperature
It keeps us balanced.
If it is unbalanced.
Common symptoms of hypothalamus dysfunction are -
Fatigue and/or insomnia
Muscle weakness
headaches
Frequent thirst of dehydration
Unexplained weight fluctuations (both ways)
Changes in appetite or poor appetite
High or low blood pressure
Need for frequent urination
The hypothalamus is highly involved in the expression of emotions. Lateral parts are involved in pleasure and rage emotions, median parts are associated with aversion, displeasure and a tendency to have uncontrollable and loud laughing!
Inflammation in the hypothalamus can lead to dysfunction which is in part down to the environment and how we live in it.
Too many calories and a sedentary lifestyle are the two biggest contributors to inflammation in the brain.
It has been found in research that not only is inflammation in the hypothalamus a feature of all metabolic disorders and diseases it is also a pathogenic basis of them!
Summer is a great time to improve your hypothalmic wellbeing and health.
Good whole foods are easier to come by, particularly ones that reduce inflammation within the brain and body. By choosing to eat like this, we will be reducting the internal propensity for inflammation.
It is also easier to reset your circadian rhythym and support a healthy hypothalamus.
Research has found that when people remove their access to artifical light and used the natural light, their internal body clock shifted back to a more healthy biological process. In just one week they went to bed early and rose early.
Going outside as soon as you can do in the morning is a great start, eat your breakfast outside, do as much as you can do outside. In the evening do not look at artificial light at all.
Your hypothalamus and its associated functions will thank you!
June is also a good time to catch up on friendships, relationships, play, fun, laughter, all the connections that are beneficial for us.
Being able to take advantage of the longer, lighter, warmer days by investing into our tribe is going to bring our nervous system into the parasympathetic. We can grow, develop, be curious, be open, truly indulge and enjoy.
The idea of using June as an enhance month was developed last year. It was based on the premise that if we can enhance our health and wellbeing at the easiest time of the year for us then we are going to be improving throughout June, July and August, which gives us a head start on meeting the challenges of winter head on.
I will be inviting you to focus on whatever you need to enhance.
It is entirely up to you.
I will be inviting you throughout June to have a feast for your senses in that I will be sending out neuroscientific tips on how to create the right kind of sensory environment for your specific need of enhancement.
There will also be a special summer solstice exercise for you all to enjoy.
Take the challenge now to enhance your summer starting with June.
Your brain and body will thank you.
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