Start your day with sunshine: Here's why
What's the story
Exposure to morning sunlight has been associated with improved mental clarity and mood enhancement. This natural source of light plays a key role in regulating the body's internal clock, leading to improved cognitive function and emotional well-being. Understanding how morning sun exposure affects mental health can help you make informed choices about your daily schedules. Here are some insights on how morning sunlight can benefit mental clarity and mood.
Biological clock
Regulates circadian rhythm
Morning sunlight helps regulate the circadian rhythm, body's internal clock that dictates sleep-wake cycles. When exposed to natural light in the morning, the body receives signals that it is time to be awake and alert. This regulation can lead to improved focus and concentration throughout the day as it aligns with natural biological processes.
Mood enhancer
Boosts serotonin levels
Sunlight exposure also increases serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for elevating mood. Higher serotonin levels lead to more feelings of happiness and calmness, alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety. Regular morning sun exposure, therefore, can make for a natural mood booster without any side effects.
Restful nights
Improves sleep quality
Exposure to sunlight in the early hours helps improve sleep quality by promoting melatonin production at night. Melatonin is a hormone responsible for inducing sleepiness when it gets dark. By ensuring adequate daylight exposure during mornings, you may experience more restful nights. This leads to better mental clarity during waking hours.
Nutrient absorption
Increases vitamin D production
Morning sun exposure helps in vitamin D production, an important nutrient that keeps our brain healthy. Vitamin D aids cognitive function by helping absorb calcium needed for neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve transmission. Adequate levels of this vitamin have been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Active lifestyle
Encourages outdoor activity
Being outdoors in sunny mornings not only encourages you to walk or jog around but it also improves your mental clarity by leaps and bounds. This happens because your brain cells get more blood and oxygen supply. Plus, when you do these activities, your endorphin release increases, resulting in an overall improvement in the mood, which is a natural and effective way to start the day on a high note.