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Just a few minutes of morning sunlight each day can do wonders for your well-being — think better sleep, and a brighter mood. In this post, I’ll share some of the surprising benefits of morning sunlight, and why it’s easier (and more rewarding) than you might think.
Morning Sunlight Kickstarts your Circadian Rhythm
Your circadian rhythm is the natural, internal process that regulates your sleep-wake cycles and repeats about every 24 hours. It is influenced by light and temperature. It’s basically your natural biological alarm clock. Morning sunlight signals your body that it’s time to start the day, and soaking it in feels like hitting the refresh button for your entire system. You’ll feel more alert, less like a zombie, and more like a person who actually does morning things—like making breakfast and stuff 🙂
Benefits of Morning Sunlight: Vitamin D
One of the greatest benefits of morning sunlight is its ability to boost your body’s Vitamin D production. Vitamin D has been nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin,” and is the nutrient responsible for keeping your bones from becoming brittle. It even puts a little sunshine on your mood :). What’s great is, just 10-15 minutes of early sunlight can kickstart the Vitamin D production in your body.
Mood-Boosting Benefits of Morning Sunlight
Another benefit of morning sunlight is that it’s a natural mood enhancer. Stepping into the morning sun can help you instantly feel a little lighter. After all, it boosts the brain’s serotonin levels which can help improve overall mental well-being.
Enhance Sleep Quality with Morning Sunlight
If you toss and turn at night, or think about the millions of things on your to-do list, getting some morning sunlight can be the simple and natural fix for those bedtime struggles. By stepping into the morning sun, you align your internal clock with the sun’s schedule. This celestial synchronization works wonders for your sleep-wake cycle.
Morning Sunlight Boosts Energy Levels
Yet another benefit of morning sunlight is that it’s also a personal energy booster. Catching the first light of day sets you up for a lively and vibrant day. This is due to the sun boosting Vitamin D and serotonin levels. As a result, you feel more alert and energized throughout the day.
Morning Sunlight and Skin Health: Finding Balance
While it’s great to soak up the morning sun rays, there is a balance – as with anything in life. Try aiming for 10-30 minutes of direct morning sunlight – without sunscreen – to let your body take up some Vitamin D. Anything longer than that feel free to use a non-toxic sunscreen.
FAQs About Morning Sunlight
Morning sunlight is less intense than afternoon sunlight. Additionally, exposure to light in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm more effectively, which improves sleep quality and overall well-being.
The best times of the morning to get sunlight are typically between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Getting morning sunlight in winter can be challenging due to shorter days and lower sun angles, but it's still possible. Try going outside early, as even brief sun exposure is beneficial. You can also sit by south facing windows where the sun is strongest.
Final Thoughts
There are several impactful benefits of morning sunlight. For instance, by simply stepping outside and basking in the morning sun, you can significantly enhance your overall well-being. Specifically, morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, boost your Vitamin D levels, and increase serotonin production. All of this contributes to improved mood, better sleep, and higher energy levels. Furthermore, natural light exposure promotes a vibrant, lively start to your day. So go ahead and embrace the habit of soaking up some morning sunlight!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations regarding sun exposure and your health.
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