Amanda Ketikidis – Why Sunlight Is Necessary for the Body

Sunlight is often associated with golden beaches, tropical getaways, and afternoon walks in the park — all things Amanda Ketikidis, Miami-based travel blogger and wellness advocate, deeply appreciates. But beyond its role in creating beautiful landscapes and Instagram-worthy moments, sunlight plays a vital role in maintaining human health. It’s more than just a mood-booster or a natural light source — it’s essential to how our bodies function.

In today’s modern world, with people spending more time indoors and glued to screens, Amanda Ketikidis has been vocal about the importance of reconnecting with nature — and that includes soaking in the sun (safely). Let's explore why sunlight is not just a luxury, but a necessity for the body.

1. The Sun: Our Natural Source of Vitamin D

One of the most well-known benefits of sunlight is its ability to stimulate vitamin D production in the skin. When UVB rays from the sun hit the skin, they trigger a reaction that converts cholesterol into vitamin D3 — the active form of the vitamin used by the body.

Vitamin D is crucial for:

• Bone Health: It helps the body absorb calcium, which keeps bones strong and prevents conditions like osteoporosis and rickets.
• Immune Function: A deficiency can leave the immune system compromised, making it harder to fight infections.
• Mood Regulation: Low levels of vitamin D are often linked to depression, particularly seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Amanda frequently highlights how even brief, regular exposure to sunlight — 10–30 minutes a day depending on skin tone and location — can help maintain healthy vitamin D levels. “The sun is nature’s multivitamin,” she says. “It’s free, it’s everywhere, and your body knows exactly how to use it.”

2. Sunlight and Mental Health

If you’ve ever noticed your mood lift after spending time outdoors on a sunny day, you’re not imagining it. Sunlight has profound effects on mental health and emotional well-being.

Here’s how:

• Boosting Serotonin: Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, which can help improve mood and focus.
• Preventing Depression: Several studies suggest that insufficient sunlight exposure is associated with higher rates of depression, especially in winter months.
• Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Time in natural sunlight — particularly when combined with green spaces — has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and calm the nervous system.

Amanda, who has traveled across sunny destinations like Santorini, Tulum, and Bali, often shares how her travels have taught her that sunlight isn’t just physically energizing — it can be emotionally transformative. “After a long winter, stepping into a sunny morning in a new city feels like coming back to life,” she writes in one of her travel journals.

3. Sunlight Regulates Our Internal Clock

Our bodies have a built-in 24-hour rhythm known as the circadian rhythm, which influences sleep, hormone release, digestion, and more. Sunlight plays a pivotal role in syncing this internal clock with the natural day-night cycle.

• Morning Light Exposure: Getting sunlight early in the day tells your body it’s time to wake up, helping you feel alert and energized.
• Nighttime Sleep Quality: Regular daylight exposure supports healthy melatonin production at night, leading to better sleep.

Amanda often emphasizes how traveling — especially across time zones — taught her the importance of sunlight in resetting her sleep cycle. “After a long-haul flight, I always make it a priority to get outside in the sun,” she advises. “It helps my body adjust and beats jet lag every time.”

4. Supports Skin Conditions and Immune Disorders

Although excessive sun exposure can damage the skin, controlled and limited exposure may help treat certain skin and autoimmune conditions. Dermatologists have long used UV therapy for:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Vitiligo
• Acne (in some cases)

Sunlight has also been found to positively impact autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), with higher sun exposure linked to lower risk and severity. This is likely due to a combination of increased vitamin D and sunlight’s anti-inflammatory effects.

Amanda cautions her followers to be sun-smart, but not sun-avoidant. “There’s a difference between avoiding sunburn and avoiding the sun altogether,” she says. “You have to find a balance.”

5. Improves Cardiovascular Health

Emerging research has also linked sunlight to better cardiovascular health. When sunlight hits the skin, it may trigger the release of nitric oxide, a compound that helps lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.

Lower blood pressure means reduced risk of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney problems

This benefit is independent of vitamin D production, showing that sunlight’s positive effects go far beyond what we previously understood.

Amanda, who incorporates morning walks by the beach into her daily routine, says she’s not surprised. “When I walk in the sunlight, I feel lighter — mentally, emotionally, and physically. Science is just catching up with what our bodies already know.”

6. Helps with Weight Management and Metabolism

Interestingly, there’s also evidence suggesting sunlight exposure can aid in weight control. In animal studies, blue light (a component of sunlight) was found to shrink fat cells. While more research is needed on humans, the findings are promising.

Moreover, a balanced circadian rhythm — supported by morning sunlight — leads to healthier sleep and better hormonal balance, both of which are critical in managing metabolism and body weight.

Amanda points out how staying active outdoors naturally combines sunlight exposure with movement. “Some of my best workouts aren’t in gyms — they’re hikes, swims, or beach jogs under the sun,” she says. “It’s about moving with nature, not just in it.”

How to Get Sunlight Safely

While sunlight has countless benefits, it's essential to enjoy it responsibly. Amanda encourages a mindful approach to sun exposure:

• Avoid peak UV hours (10am–4pm) for prolonged exposure.
• Use sunscreen on the face and sensitive areas after 15–30 minutes of initial exposure.
• Wear sunglasses and hats for eye and skin protection.
• Stay hydrated, especially in warm climates.
• Know your skin and understand how much sun you need based on your complexion and geographic location.

Amanda often reminds her audience: “Sunlight should energize you, not exhaust you. Be smart, listen to your body, and let nature take care of the rest.”

Final Thoughts

Amanda Ketikidis’s love for travel and wellness shines through in her advocacy for reconnecting with the natural world — especially the sun. In a time when artificial light dominates our lives and indoor lifestyles are the norm, sunlight remains one of the most powerful, free, and underused tools we have for health.

Whether you're on a Greek island or your apartment balcony, stepping into the sun each day is an act of nourishment. It’s a ritual as old as humanity itself — and one that Amanda Ketikidis continues to champion with every golden sunrise she shares.