Soak Up The Sun – Cross Back Apron Tutorial – Day 21 of #31daystohappy

Thank you for the responses to yesterday’s post. You ladies are incredible and the gratitude has been spilling out of me in the form of tears. Thank you for taking the time to build me up when I spill my guts. I try and show gratitude by sharing things, so today there is a free apron pattern at the bottom of this post. I hope it’s something to make your day a little brighter. If you are just joining us on our #31daystohappy, you can find more about this project here and definitely start here. Thank you very much for reading my blog!

When was the last time you went and purposely sat in the sunshine? Did you know your body needs it just like it needs air and water? And it’s FREE! For me, sunshine has been a free and effective way to control my anxiety. As a bonus it produces a vitamin that is hard to get otherwise. Vitamin d deficiency happens a lot & science connects Vitamin D to mental health. Many friends and family members are vitamin d deficient. My own levels were bad enough I now have osteoporosis. I’m not even 35. I thought I got plenty of sun. It turns out all of these years quilting and working I have neglected something that my body desperately needed.

Since this was pointed out to me, I have put a lot more effort into getting outside. It’s now part of my take care of myself routine. I’m busy, life’s crazy, but every day I make an effort to soak up the sun, although I am far from a sun worshiper. While I take supplements and that may be helping my mental health, I know I feel instantly better when I sit in the sunshine.

Try and get your vitamin d through *safe* sun exposure. It only takes about 15 minutes to get all of the vitamin d you need for the day. I now try to get my family outside before 10 am or after 3 pm for about half an hour. I spend that time walking, or gardening, but often just sitting and enjoying the feel of sunshine on my skin. Remember how we agree that we are worth the time? yO Life is much better if you live it in the open sunshine.

Prompt 22 – #31daystohappy

Go sit in the sun during a safe time of the day. Don’t overdo it, but pause and really feel it. I also recommend seeing a local health practitioner to get vitamin d levels tested and put together a plan to get you into the 50-75 range that is recommended by the Vitamin D Council.

Now, if you’ve followed me on IG, you will know that I’ve always wanted one of these awesome inspired-by-pinterest cross back aprons. But I could not find a tutorial or pattern I liked! So I winged it and came up with one I love! I’m making one for all of the girls in my shop and I thought you might like the pattern, too. So click the link below to download your full color, easy peasy pattern. It is 11 pages, but there are three pages of directions & 8 pattern pages. I think it might be my best pattern yet! I know it’s just a drop in the bucket of thank you’s I need to fill, but it’s a start. So from my heart to yours….

Download the Pattern Now for FREE!

i am not a doctor and nothing I write here is a substitute for medical advice. If you are suffering from a medical condition or unhealthy thoughts, please seek help immediately. For my full disclaimer, please click here.