If you know about vitamin D, you probably know that it’s referred to as the sunshine vitamin because your body produces the nutrient when your skin is directly exposed to sunlight.

Of course, that makes it sound like it’s easy to get your daily dose of vitamin D, which isn’t always the case. With winter comes shorter days, and many people are stuck working indoors during the sun’s peak hours.

How does this affect you? A vitamin D deficiency has been linked to weak bones, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, arthritis and depression. Of course, these ailments come with a severe deficiency; but why not learn how to give your body a vitamin D boost?

Getting the appropriate daily dose of vitamin D helps chase away the lethargy that comes with the “winter blues.” Seriously! This amazing nutrient helps improve mood, heart health and bone strength.

Just 10 minutes of sun exposure is all your body needs to produce an entire day’s worth of vitamin D. But the exposure must be direct, meaning that it won’t work if you put on sunscreen (don’t worry—a few minutes won’t damage your skin) and it won’t penetrate glass in your car or office.

Getting vitamin D the natural way is what’s best for your body. If you can, take a break in the afternoon to spend a few minutes outdoors soaking up the sun. However, this becomes harder in the winter when jackets cover up most of your skin.

During bouts of poor weather or when you simply can’t get away from work, you can still take vitamin D supplements to get the benefits. And it’s certainly worth it if it helps get you through the dreary winter days.

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