Sunrise: 5 Luminous and Beautiful Reasons to Embrace It

We all know something about the sun, which makes it necessary for our bodies. That’s why God chose to hang it above.

But…

How often do we stay up late, and when it’s time to wake up to get the most out of that sunrise, especially when the dawn breaks (about 6:10 am EAT), the snooze button gets violated?

We often snuggle under our blankets for 5 more minutes, not knowing that that sunshine could greatly improve our sleep the next day.

And for those who seem too busy to stop and relish in the beauty of the morning sunshine because 6:10 am finds them in an Uber or matatu to their workplaces, it may be time to reconsider your mental health.

Even though most modern-day activities happen indoors, I’m here to remind you there’s something truly magical about the early morning sunlight that you might be missing out on.

Check out these 5 convincing reasons why you shouldn’t miss those precious rays.

1. Reset Your Circadian Rhythm and Improve Sleep

The circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock, guiding your sleep-wake cycle over 24 hours.

Morning sunlight exposure helps reset this clock by regulating melatonin production, the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy ^[1].

When your eyes are exposed to natural light, it signals your brain to reduce melatonin levels, helping you feel more awake and alert during the day.

Consistent exposure to morning sunlight can lead to better sleep quality at night, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed ^[2].

2. Shake Off the Lethargy

Ever wonder why you feel groggy and sluggish upon waking up? Blame it on adenosine, a chemical that builds up in your brain while you sleep.

Morning sunlight can help clear out adenosine faster, shaking off that morning lethargy and boosting your energy levels ^[3].

By soaking up some early rays, you kickstart your day with vigor and enthusiasm, ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

3. Glowing Skin Benefits

Early morning sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, which is essential for skin health. Vitamin D helps produce collagen, a protein that keeps skin smooth and supple, aids in the repair of damaged skin cells and reduces acne and inflammation ^[4].

Just 10-15 minutes of sun exposure in the morning can give your skin that healthy, radiant glow.

4. Eye Health

While excessive sun exposure can harm your eyes, moderate morning sunlight can be beneficial. Natural light helps produce dopamine in the retina, which is crucial for healthy eye development and function ^[5].

It can also reduce the risk of developing myopia (shortsightedness), especially in young people. So, step outside and let your eyes bask in the gentle morning light.

5. Enhanced Mood and Feel-Good Hormones

Sunrise is a natural mood booster. It increases the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep ^[6].

Higher serotonin levels are associated with better mood and feelings of calm and focus, thus reducing the risk of depression & anxiety, making you feel more positive and motivated throughout the day.

Conclusion

So, whether you’ll squeeze the most out of the sun by:

• Strolling around the block before your porridge is ready.
• Bolting for a morning jog to convince yourself you’re an athlete.
• Braving the laundry heap outside.
• Walking your hyperactive dog.
• Taking your kid/lil sister to the bus stage.

Make sure you find a way. And to the boys, here’s our ultimate and possibly only (besides chugging water) skincare routine. Ladies, feel free to debate whether this fits into your serum and exfoliation extravaganza.

But hey, this isn’t just about your skin! Set that alarm a bit earlier, step outside, and let the morning sun do its magic. Trust me, your body and mind will give you a high five!