Sunshine & warm sandy sea beach

Sunshine & warm sandy sea beach : Basking in the Sun

The phrase "basking in the sun" generally refers to the act of lying in the warmth of the sun for enjoyment or relaxation. However, it can also be used metaphorically to express the idea of taking great pleasure or delight in a particular situation or event. Despite the difference in physical and metaphorical uses, the underlying theme remains the same: a sense of relaxation, joy, or satisfaction.

The term "bask" originated from an old Norse word, "baðask," which means "to bathe oneself." Over time, it evolved to "bask" in English, meaning to expose oneself to a pleasant warmth. "Bask in the sun" then came into use, highlighting the act of enjoying or soaking in the sun's warmth.

"Goodness comes out of people who bask in the sun, as it does out of a sweet apple roasted before the fire."

~ Charles Dudley Warner, "Back-log Studies And My Summer In A Garden," 1872

Sun exposure helps the body make vitamin D naturally. This vitamin is essential but many people don’t get enough of it. Vitamin D deficiency is common and some estimates say that 1 billion people worldwide are deficient.

Vitamin D can be difficult to get from food alone. It exists in certain fish and egg yolks, but most of it is consumed through fortified products like milk.

Keep in mind: The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using sun exposure as the primary method of getting vitamin D.

Some dermatologists believe that, as long as you don’t have complications with usual sun exposure, you can sunbathe without sunscreen up to 20 minutes each day. To reduce the risk of sunburn, it may be best to stick to 5 to 10 minutes.

This will vary based on how close to the equator you live, your skin’s usual response to the sun, and the air quality. Poor air quality can block some UV light. Some research suggests that it’s more damaging to get a lot of sun at once than to slowly be exposed to it over time.