Sunshine, Summer and the Vitamin D Connection
Summer Isn’t Easy for Everyone
While summer often conjures images of joy and freedom, it can also bring overstimulation, disrupted routines, and emotional unease. If you’re feeling more anxious than usual—especially when everyone around you seems to be thriving—you’re not alone. We're glad you're here to read more and better understand the seasonal mind-body connection.
The Sunshine Vitamin and Emotional Health
Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating mood and emotional resilience. A review in Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2024 explains how Vitamin D is a neuro-protectant, reduces inflammation, supports the synthesis of serotonin and improves brain plasticity. This nutrient, which our bodies produce when exposed to sunlight, affects the same neurotransmitter systems involved in anxiety and depression. An article in Psychiatry Times links low Vitamin D levels to higher rates of mood disorders.
Why Vitamin D Matters for Your Whole Body
Vitamin D isn’t just about bones—it plays an important role in almost every system in your body. It supports your immune system, helps your body absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth, and plays a role in muscle strength and balance. It’s also involved in regulating inflammation, mood, and even hormonal function. People with healthy levels of Vitamin D tend to have stronger immune responses, better energy levels, and a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. For mental and emotional health, studies show that Vitamin D helps regulate the nervous system and may reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Keeping your Vitamin D levels in a healthy range is one of the simplest and most natural ways to support your body and mind.
You Might Still Be Deficient—Even in Summer
Even in sunny Southern California, many people have suboptimal Vitamin D levels due to sunscreen use, indoor lifestyles, early morning/evening outdoor time, or skin tone differences. A quick blood test (25-hydroxyvitamin D) from your doctor can help identify deficiency—and correcting it may significantly improve your energy, mood, and sleep.
What’s the Latest on Vitamin D Supplementation?
Newer studies suggest that while mega-dosing Vitamin D isn’t necessary for most people, moderate daily supplementation can meaningfully improve mood, especially for those with low baseline levels. Although somewhat controversial, the general recommendation from Harvard Health (2024) is 600–800 IU of Vitamin D3 per day, with individualized adjustments. We recommend speaking with your health care professional about the unique benefits of Vitamin D3 in your case.
How Acupuncture Complements Seasonal Emotional Health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element and the Heart—both energetically and emotionally. When this element becomes overactive or unbalanced, it may manifest as anxiety, restlessness, or emotional reactivity. Acupuncture works to calm the Heart, regulate the nervous system, and create inner balance, allowing your body and mind to sync with the season instead of fight it.
5 Things You Can Do Today for Summer Peace of Mind
Ask your doctor for a Vitamin D level test (25-OH D).
Spend 10–15 minutes outside in morning sunlight, unblocked by sunscreen if safe.
Book your acupuncture sessions at Seyhart to rebalance nervous energy.
Hydrate consistently—dehydration increases irritability.
Build a calming morning routine to anchor your day in stillness.
Take-Home Points
Summer can either agitate or align your inner world. Outdoor sunshine can help increase Vitamin D levels as well as supplementation, which has been shown to improve mood disorders such as anxiety. May you have peace, health, and balance this summer season.