Soak up Vitamin D with This Essential Guide to Sunny Days
We all know how important it is to get enough Vitamin D in our diets, and soaking up some sunshine is a great way to get your daily dose. But if you’re a mom, making time in your busy schedule to take a few moments to enjoy the sun can be tricky. An article from Harvard says “ Vitamin D has been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone. Also, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation.” That’s why we’ve put together this essential guide for moms on how to make the most of sunny days and reap the benefits of getting enough Vitamin D. Read on for some ideas!
Take advantage of outdoor activities: If you have some extra time on your hands, why not take advantage of opportunities to get out and about? Going for hikes or bike rides, playing sports outdoors, or even just having a picnic in the park are all great ways to soak up some rays while still being productive. Not only will you get your Vitamin D quota for the day but you’ll also be able to bond with family and friends in an enjoyable environment.
Set aside time for leisurely activities: While it can be tempting to fill every moment of our days with tasks that need completing, sometimes it’s important—and necessary—to set aside some time purely for leisurely activities. This could mean taking a long walk around the neighborhood, lying down in the grass with your kids and watching cloud shapes drift by above you, or simply sitting outside on your porch with a cup of coffee. Whatever activity you choose, make sure you permit yourself to slow down and just enjoy being outside in nature.
Make it part of your morning routine: If mornings are usually hectic for you, why not try incorporating some outdoor time into your routine? This could mean anything from taking a brisk walk around the block before breakfast or stretching out on the lawn after dropping off the kids at school. You might even consider doing yoga outside or meditating by a lake or pond if there’s one nearby. The key is making sure that whatever activity you choose fits easily into your schedule so that it becomes something that happens habitually throughout each week.
With summer around the corner, it's important to make sure you and your family are prepared for the strong rays of the sun. As a mom, don't forget to pick out sunscreen that is specifically designed and rated for everyone in your family! Be sure to choose one with an SPF rating of at least 30 that protects against UVA and UVB rays coming from the sun. Additionally, when planning your summer wardrobe be sure to add lighter-weight clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Light colors are ideal for reflecting heat away from the body and keeping cool in hot temperatures.
The sun provides many benefits for our overall well-being and health, including the vital vitamin D that it supplies. It’s key to take the necessary steps to ensure we are protecting ourselves from overexposure to damaging UV rays while also allowing us to enjoy being out in it. By selecting the right sunscreen, and clothing, and setting a schedule for maximizing vitamin D intake, we can get out and enjoy the great outdoors with confidence. Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated and eat healthily while outdoors - this will enhance your experience and make sure you experience all nature has to give! After all, what better way is there to stay healthy than by getting outside? So grab those sunglasses and head outside—it's time to soak up some rays!
