It shouldn't take an expert in wellbeing to tell us that the endless rain we experienced for so long this summer would cause more than just flood damage. It did little to lift our spirits too, as day after day more large grey clouds loomed in the sky threatening yet another deluge. But, although it is well documented - and necessarily so - that too much sun is detrimental to our health, the good news is that a little bit of sensible sunbathing can actually be good for us!

It's true that something seems to happen to us when the sun comes out. Suddenly that huge pile of ironing, those dirty dishes and that minor disagreement at the office don't seem quite so bad after all! The sun can help put a smile on our faces and a spring in our step and really alter the way we feel about life. So while it's important to take the necessary precautions to look after your skin in the sun, now is the time to make the most of the weather and head for the nearest beach to let it all hang out!

Sunlight helps the body to synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for cell growth. It is often hard to get all the vitamin D we require from our diet and 80% of our requirement comes from sunlight. Vitamin D helps keep bones and teeth healthy and helps to promote a healthy immune system.

The levels of some neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, are altered by the amount of light that enters the eye. That's why sunlight can help boost our general good mood. SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, is quite a well-known condition which is caused by the suppression of serotonin. Symptoms can include depression, sleep problems and loss of libido. So, now it's official: half an hour's sunbathing may even improve your sex drive. No wonder they talk about the summer of love!

So, while it is important to stress how essential it is not to over-expose your skin to the sun, to use the correct protection for your skin type, and to always take shade during the really hot midday sun, the odd half hour basking in the sunshine and swimming in the lovely, warm, summer sea is actually just what the doctor ordered! So make the most of the sunny days ahead and feel your spirits lift in the lovely fine weather.