YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE...

How can Virginia State Parks help you stay healthy? How about a little solar power! 

Sitting on the warm dock in the sun at Bear Creek Lake State Park

Here comes the sun

This time of year we are longing for the sun! We can't even imagine having "too much sun" like we warn about in the warmer months. Seasons give us the opportunity to long for sun, and then of course we long for the shade and the air conditioning! As humans, I think we love to follow the sun, ancient civilizations worshipped the sun, and many today still do!

We can synthesize with you

Not only does your time and fun in the sun provide you with valuable Vitamin D, it also gives you energy. Think about the lethargy you feel over the winter months, and immediately feel renewed when you are out in the sun? Time in the sun allows your body to take in that ultra-violet light and trigger Vitamin D to synthesize. Of course all that fresh air and exercise doesn't hurt either!

Summertime at the beach is always fun in the sun

Water sports and recreation are a great way to enjoy the sun

Just being at the park and doing all the things we do in the sunshine is healthy

Swimming is tops for this family (this was our very first visit to a state park in Virginia!)

You can still catch some rays by spending time in and out of the water, even under a cloudy sky

If you can't make it out to a Virginia State Park soon, here is something to try:

Do this whether you are in the office near a window, sitting on the porch or in your vehicle. Turn your face toward the sun, and close your eyes. With your eyes closed, stare at the sun as it illuminates the inside of your eyelids. In a moment or so you will feel the sun warming your entire face!

Come on out to your favorite Virginia State Park for some solar power! You have 35 Virginia State Parks to choose from, we hope to see YOU having fun in the sun soon.