Take a little time out in nature to soak in the rays.

Studies have found that exposure to sunlight naturally boosts your mood.

Sunlight triggers the release of hormones in your brain releasing a hormone called serotonin. This is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused.

Ultraviolet-B radiation in the sun’s rays also causes a person’s skin to create vitamin D. Generally, an hour per week is more than enough, but surprisingly, many people are still not exposed to enough sun to produce beneficial amounts of vitamin D. This could be because of our hectic sedentary lives, spending most of our time either in the car or at a desk during the peak hours of sunlight.

Vitamin D is an important part of a healthy diet. New benefits of this vitamin are being discovered every day, but many people still do not receive enough vitamin D to reap the wonderful benefits it can provide to their health. Vitamin D is most famous for its contribution to joint and bone health by helping the body absorb calcium. It has been shown that people who take in enough vitamin D are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis and joint pain. This vitamin can also slow the affects of arthritis and lessen back pain in many individuals. Studies have shown that vitamin D can also prevent certain types of cancer.

Milk is often fortified with vitamin D, and you can also find good amounts of vitamin D in certain kinds of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  Cod liver oil is an herbal supplement that is rich in vitamin D. Smile Natural Wholefoods Blends are also very rich in omega-3 fatty acids which will give you a good dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements are also widely available.

But…what better way to get some of the Happy Sunshine Vitamin than enjoying the sun on a beautiful day.

Take some time this weekend to enjoy good food, scenic views and soak in those rays.

That will certainly bring a smile to your face.