I grew up in lush, green Portland, Oregon. You will hardly find anything as beautiful as the Northwest—or as rainy! It may have had gorgeous views, but after the 300th cloudy day in any given year, I went a little insane. I like sun!
Sunshine has many benefits for us. It gives essential vitamin D, which may protect against a host of diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer. Sunlight has other hidden benefits—like protecting against depression, insomnia, and an overactive immune system.
When I lived in Oregon, I often suffered from seasonal depression. The gray skies made me feel low, as well as the tendency to stay indoors. I used to try all sorts of ways to kick the depression—from going on hikes in the rain to sitting in front of a mood light 20 minutes a day.
The best solution I found was to move to sunny California! There are many things I miss about Portland, but the clouds did not make that list. I am thankful for light streaming in my windows and radiating down on me while I take walks or work in the garden. Almost every day. Light makes me healthy and happy!
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