How Much Sun Do I Need?

So, I know that probably sounds like an odd question to ask. But in all seriousness, how much sun do you get? Do you get sun daily, weekly, once in a while, or seldom? For me, it is seldom...or at least it was. And even that's funny to admit, because I live in sunny Arizona! But the reality is, I didn't and sometimes still do not get enough sun.

There were times where I'd go weeks without getting sun, but often times it was days. I am a stay-at-home mom and Aiden and I stay inside the house for 5 days a week. We work out and have activity play inside...so that wasn't really an issue.

I started feeling angry, moody, depressed, irritable, and easily annoyed. I just chalked it up to not sleeping well the night before or just be not being patient enough.

I decided to start jogging late October/early November in the early mornings. And for those who know me, know this was a HUGE deal. I've never been a morning person and I LOVE my sleep, but I wanted to learn how to love running. I started jogging between 6:30 and 7 AM, 3-4 days a week. And let me tell you...I felt absolutely AMAZING! I would come back with so much positivity, energy, and just feeling like I could take on the world. At first, I thought it was just because of the jogging, but I work out daily and while I feel INCREDIBLE after...this was an entirely different feeling.

I continued doing this week after week and just noticed how much happier I was feeling. I was more positive. I was even more patient and I just felt renewed. It wasn't until I was reading a book that talked about how important natural Vitamin D was...especially in the form of sun. It was my "Aha moment." It all finally made sense to me as to why I was feeling so much different and better! I was getting sun for at least 30 mins 3-4 days a week...compared to not getting any.

I, of course went to the store and ran errands, but it wasn't a consistent dose of sun that I needed. Jogging 3-4 days a week, allowed me to soak up 30 full minutes without interruption.

Lately, I have been feeling on edge, stressed out, and very moody and irritable. As I confessed these feelings to my husband, he immediately said, "You need sun!" And while that sounds so funny to hear, he is absolutely right! It's been a good few months since I have gone jogging and I need to start again. Not only for my health, but for my sanity.

I have decided to not just say I will jog 3-4 days a week again, but to make it a priority. I deserve it and so does my family <3

So, I'm just curious...how much sun do you get? Do you think you get enough?

-Becky