Sunshine On My Shoulders Makes Me Happy.

It was 70 degrees today here in AZ; A beautiful and warm 70 degrees. It amazes me how my body really does crave the sunshine and warmth. I think there is a lot to be said for the Vitamin D that comes through sunlight having a positive effect on our bodies.

What does Vitamin D Do?
- helps metabolize calcium and phosphorus which help with healthy bone maintenance
- it can help build and strengthen your immune system so you fight off disease and infection
- studies have shown exposure to Vitamin D can be linked to maintaining a healthy weight
- it can reduce the effects of asthma
- it can enhance your mood (I FULLY believe this)

Those with a deficiency of Vitamin D can suffer from weakening of the bones leading to rickets, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia. It has also been shown that those who have low levels of Vitamin D can also be more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, and other forms of disease and infection.
Although many foods are fortified with Vitamin D these days I think there is nothing like some good old fashioned sunshine to get your daily dosage in. Studies show that even just ten minutes in the sun can give you the benefits Vitamin D has to offer.

Today I was able to enjoy all my favorite forms of therapy.

Sleep Therapy: I got 8 hours of sleep last night? What? I don't even know when the last time that happened. It felt DIVINE. Better than divine. 

Sunlight Therapy: We were in and out all day. I could have stayed out. 

Exercise Therapy: I love when I get to go to the gym with my mom and my sister. We got in a good sweat fest this morning. I got in 60 minutes of intervals on the stairs and 20 more on the treadmill. It felt SO good after yesterday's exercise-less day.

Pedicure Therapy: No description needed.

 

Food Therapy: Nichole, my mom and I went to one of my FAVORITE restaurants here in AZ, Pita Jungle.  It is a SUPER healthy place that I swear I could eat at every day. Probably a good thing it's not in UT, or I might spend alllll my monies there. Oh...and they have the nutrition facts online. You know that makes my ears perk right up.

 We had...

 Yum, Right? If you're ever in AZ, and I hope you are. Make it a point to go there. We sat and talked for like two hours. I loved every second of it. We can call that talking therapy. :)

Frozen Yogurt Therapy: We went to our favorite local FroYo place, Swirl It, and my taste buds were delighted. I had a sampler of cake batter, coconut, and pistachio. Fat free goodness.

Tonight we're going to get in some Movie Therapy, and we have plans for some Retail Therapy. I feel really good about it.


What is your favorite form of therapy? I think my list is pretty long...