Let The Sunshine

I recently read an article in the July/August 2008 Weight Watchers magazine. I agreed with a lot of the statements they made. I would like to share some with you. In a recent New York University study, a fellow at the nonprofit Environmental Leadership Program by the name of Patricia Zaradic, Ph.D. said, ” Nature acts as a buffer against life’s stressful events.” I agree 100%.

The article goes on to say that just by working in your garden for 45 minutes , you can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Nature relaxes you and helps you breathe more calmly and slowly. It also  goes on to say that your brain produces serotonin which helps in boosting your mood.

It mentions that you can help guard against osteoporosis by getting 5 to 30 minutes of vitamin D-rich sunlight as least twice a week. They claim that by exercising outdoors, you will feel less bored and be more likely to stick with your program goals.

So, the next time you get up in the morning and see that sun shining into your bedroom window, get yourself out of bed, smile, and take on whatever the day throws at you with a little more sunshine and a lot less stress!

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Take Care,

Luisa