#12 & #13 – Walking on Sunshine

Pressed for time?  Need a (really, really) quick pick me up?  Me too!  That’s why I created the I’m Too Busy to Take Care of Myself Challenge.

Challenge #12:  Get 20 minutes of Sunshine (wear sunscreen)

www.crookedwillow.net
www.crookedwillow.net

Sunshine has been the red-headed stepchild of nature these days, namely because too much of it can cause skin cancer.  But, there are also benefits to small doses of it.  According to an article in Men’s Journal, 20-30 minutes of sunshine (without sunscreen), “an instant endorphin surge and drop in blood pressure, regulation of hunger hormones that may help you keep weight off, and key vitamin D synthesis that alters the expression of 291 genes responsible for everything from controlling how quickly your bones age to how fast you bounce back from tough workouts to how fertile you are.”  Read more: http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/health/the-health-benefits-of-sunshine-20140630#ixzz3DdewJQ4e

Speaking as the poster child for pasty-pale people, I’m still going to wear sunscreen, because sunburns hurt and cancer runs in my family.  But once that lotion is on, I thoroughly enjoy soaking in the rays, because it boosts my mood.  Yesterday it was sunny all day, but by the time I had a free minute the sky turned gray and it began to rain, because the only luck I seem to have these days is the bad kind.  So today I covered two challenges – get a little sunshine and take a walk.

Challenge #13:  Take a Walk

www.active.com
www.active.com

According to the American Heart Association, “Research has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help you:

  • Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
  • Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
  • Improve blood lipid profile
  • Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
  • Enhance mental well being
  • Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
  • Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
  • Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

(Read more at: http://www.startwalkingnow.org/whystart_benefits_walking.jsp)

Walking always helps me calm down and it doesn’t require fancy equipment or even very much time.  Today my husband and I took a short walk around the block.  We got in a little sunshine, were able to catch up on each other’s day, and it felt good to stretch our legs.

How about you?  Did you enjoy a walk on a sunny day?  Tomorrow’s challenge is to play a game, basketball, soccer, it doesn’t matter, just get your heart rate up.

Lisa ;)

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