You ever have one of those days where you just feel… off? Like your brain’s in a fog, your energy is shot, and your motivation is somewhere under a blanket binge-watching Netflix?
Yeah, same.
And sometimes, it’s not just stress or bad sleep — it could be low vitamin D.
And No, Sitting by a Window Doesn’t Count
What Is Vitamin D and Why Do We Need It?
Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body produces it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. But it’s way more than a cute nickname.
Your body uses vitamin D to:
- Absorb calcium and keep your bones strong
- Support immune function
- Regulate inflammation
- Stabilize mood
- Improve energy levels
Basically, it’s sunlight turned into strength — and without it, things start to go sideways.
Common Signs You’re Running Low:
- Chronic fatigue, even after 8+ hours of sleep
- Feeling down, moody, or irritable
- Getting sick more often
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Brain fog or lack of focus
Low vitamin D has even been linked to increased risks of depression, osteoporosis, heart issues, and weakened immunity, especially during winter months.
According to Harvard Health, nearly 1 billion people worldwide have insufficient or deficient levels.
Who’s Most at Risk?
You’re more likely to be low on vitamin D if:
- You work indoors (hi, desk jobs)
- You always wear sunscreen (we love skin safety, but it blocks D production)
- You have darker skin (melanin reduces your skin’s ability to produce D)
- You’re over 50
- You live somewhere with cloudy winters or long indoor seasons
(Sacramento’s not bad, but we’re not L.A. either)
Vitamin D & Mental Health: What’s the Link?
Low vitamin D = low mood.
It plays a role in serotonin production — the brain chemical responsible for keeping you happy and stable.
Multiple studies link vitamin D deficiency to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and general depressive symptoms.
This study even found a direct relationship between vitamin D levels and mood regulation.
How to Get More Vitamin D Without Roasting Yourself
1. Soak up sunlight
10–30 minutes of sun exposure a day — without sunscreen — on bare skin (arms/face/legs). Morning or late afternoon is best to avoid burns.
2. Add D-rich foods to your plate
- Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines
- Egg yolks
- Mushrooms
- Fortified foods like milk, cereal, OJ, and plant-based alternatives
3. Take a supplement
If you’re still low, talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin D3 supplement. It’s more effective than D2 and widely available.
Bottom Line?
Your body needs vitamin D like your soul needs a weekend off.
It fuels your bones, brain, and mood — and sometimes the best prescription is stepping away from your screen and standing in the sun.
If you’re in Sacramento, even a quick walk around the block or lunch outside can make a difference.
So go on — take your coffee to the porch, your dog to the park, or yourself on a solo sunshine break. You earned it.
Got a favorite way to soak up the sun in Sacramento?
Tag us on our IG — we would love to see it!
If you looking for more wellness tips check out our blog on spring fitness in Sacramento here!
