Are you feeling the drag of short days and need some warm weather vitality? Well, I’ve got the perfect ways for you and the kids to soak in the Winter Sun!
Sunshine and daylight are vital for us to maintain healthy a heart, body, and mind. These are the BEST ways to Soak in the Winter Sun whether you are outdoors or indoors!
When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, many of us feel a bit dull. This is when we must be intentional about getting outside and find creative ways to soak in that winter sunshine daily.
Mommas and kids alike need the benefits of the sun year round. If you are like me and live in an area where winter months feel longer even with short days then you know what I mean.
Check out the WHY and the HOW of being able to Soak in the Winter Sun right here!
Benefits of Sunshine
Getting sunshine has benefits that most people dont even realize.
SelectHealth.com provides these 7 benefits of sunlight:
- Improves your sleep
- Reduces stress
- Maintains strong bones
- Helps keep weight off
- Strengthens your immune system
- Fights off depression
- Can give you a longer life
These seven reasons are more than enough to get me out the door or sitting in the window for a bit each day.
Outdoor Winter Sun
It can be super challenging to get sun outside when the temps fall into the teens. But if it’s over 32 degrees then there are some fun options!
Bundle up with some warm winter clothes and head outside.
To soak in the Winter Sunshine outdoors in the cold, here are some simple ideas:
- Download this Winter Scavenger Hunt
- Blow up balloons and let kids keep them in the air and chase them
- Read in a chair for 15 minutes
- Feed the birds (make these cute pinecone birdfeeders too)
- Freeze Dance – play music and “freeze” when the music stops
- Blow bubbles and watch them freeze (temps must be in single digits with no wind)
- Run, walk, scooter up and down the yard or sidewalk
Try to leave your face exposed to the sunshine. But be sure to cover the rest of your body to stay safe from temps.
You can do each of these activities for 15-30 minutes — or longer! — which is a great amount of sunshine.
Stay outdoors longer indoors longer in the snow with this Snow Science Unit Study.
Indoor Winter Sun
You do need to get a bit more creative, but it is possible to get 15-30 minutes of sun a day from indoors.
Opening the curtains and blinds as wide as possible is the first place to start. In the mornings, I don’t even need lights on in the house on the back of my home. It is SO sunny!
Open the doors WIDE when the sun is shining and let the rays in.
Wherever the sun shines into your home, get a chair or some small seating for the family. It might be a small spot but it works! Pillows, a blanket, some cozy and warm colors on a furry rug make an inviting spot near the window to sit and soak in the Winter Sun.
Then create a small “sun basket” for the kids! You can put in any of these fun projects to have them sit still:
- books for fun reading
- floor puzzles
- word puzzles like crosswords or word searches
- brain teaser games (we love these ones)
- small weaving looms
- Nature Science flashcards
- Nature books for kids to observe outdoors
Make the choice today to get in the sun and allow God’s nature vitamins fill you up.
Related: How to Refresh your Life
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.” – Malachi 4:2
Being intentional to Soak in the Winter Sun will pay off when your attitudes are more smiley, your sleep is more restuful, and your family overall is healthier.
I pray that you are able to incorporate some of these ideas with your kids to have a sunny day!
Best,
