Let the Sunlight In
At the risk of offending dermatologists everywhere, I’m here to encourage you to go outside and soak up the sun.
No, I’m not advocating burning yourself to a crisp like those folks on Jersey Shore!
But we shouldn’t be deathly afraid of being in the sun either. Personally, I make it a habit to go outside and enjoy the sunlight for at least 30 minutes every day, usually longer when I’m walking Skyla.
Sunlight is beneficial (shocking, I know!). By getting sunlight, you’ll get your daily dose of Vitamin D plus a little boost of happiness, something we could all use in the winter time when there’s a lack of natural daylight.
Everyone should be getting a few minutes or more of sunlight every day, preferably in the morning (don’t forget the sunscreen).
But there are 2 exceptions to ideal.
Exception 1: If it’s negative 30 degrees and there’s 3 feet of snow outside. OK, I’m not going to make you get frostbite!
In this case, find a window in your home or workplace that faces the sun, pull back the curtains, and let the sun shine on you. Feel free to sing “You Are My Sunshine” really loud and off-key to wake up everyone else in the house.
It only takes a few minutes, and you could do this while eating breakfast, doing your makeup, or getting ready for the day. If you’re at work before the sun is up, do this later during a coffee break or whenever you need a moment to relax.
Exception 2: If you leave for work before the sun is out, then you need to get creative. In this case, immediately turn on as many bright lights in your home as you can. Try to stay in the rooms where the lights are brightest.
The indoor light won’t be quite as good at waking you up as natural light, but it’s better than stumbling around in the dark or only turning on one light. If you’ve got the funds, buy one of those fancy lamps that mimic sunlight.
But remember, if you have the opportunity to safely go outside for natural sunlight during your day, do it.
This practice is sure to make your day a little brighter (har har har).
How do you like to enjoy the sunlight?
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I always feel better after a little time in the sun! I like sitting on my deck in a comfy chair and reading a book in the sunshine!
Sunlight is so important, not only does it give you Vitamin D, and a mood boost, but I think it regulates your circadian rhythms too so that you have a healthy waking and sleeping cycle.
I can definitely back you up on the importance of sunlight… considering I’m severely vitamin d deficient and ended up getting really sick from it. The emotional lift you get from the sun is probably the best effect. I always feel a lot happier after spending some time outside on a beautiful day 🙂 Hopefully the spring will come early, these frigid temperatures are making it difficult to get out there and enjoy the sun!
This Friday is Groundhog Day, so we’ll soon know if Spring is coming early or not! 🙂