How getting sunlight first thing in the morning can improve your mindset.
Cranky doesn’t even begin to define how I feel when I wake up some mornings. Maybe it’s residual effects from stress & having two daughters in college & growing a business & living in close quarters with my husband (we are approaching our 2 year mark of full time RV living) or hormones or whatever else happens while I sleep, or all of the above, but man, do I sure wake up in a bad mood some days.
This bad mood doesn’t just dissipate or quietly go away as I go about my morning. No. It intensifies, sometimes rather quickly, as the day progresses. My brains sees no evidence of the day going well or of life working out. Everything and anything is wrong. It’s just kind of a gross place for my mind to be.
As a certified life coach, I understand that my thoughts create my feelings, but I don’t always recognize the thoughts I’m thinking first thing in the morning, nor do I always want to sit down to coach myself. So I did some research.
Our RV lifestyle is centered around chasing the sun. We refuse to suffer long-term, cold, dreary days any more. We’re from Cincinnati, OH where the winters are depressingly oppressive–little to no sunshine, thick cloud cover, no leaves on the trees, too cold to enjoy the outdoors. Life is just too short to spend half of the year miserable. Right now, we are in sunny Florida, and that got me thinking about how good I feel when I can see & feel sunshine.
Turns out, by incorporating sunlight into your morning routine, you can set a positive tone for the day ahead and support your overall mental and emotional well-being.
Here’s why:
1. Regulation of Circadian Rhythm: Exposure to morning sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. The sunlight signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up and be alert. This synchronization of your body’s internal clock with the natural light-dark cycle can improve your sleep-wake cycle, making you feel more refreshed and alert during the day.
2. Increase in Serotonin Production: Sunlight exposure triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness, well-being, and relaxation. Higher serotonin levels are associated with improved mood and a more positive mindset.
3. Vitamin D Synthesis: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including mood regulation. Adequate vitamin D levels have been linked to a reduced risk of depression and anxiety. Getting sunlight in the morning allows your skin to produce vitamin D, contributing to your overall well-being.
4. Stress Reduction: Exposure to morning sunlight can help reduce stress by influencing the release of hormones like cortisol. Cortisol levels tend to be higher in the morning and gradually decrease throughout the day. Sunlight exposure early in the day can help regulate these cortisol levels, leading to a calmer and less stressed mindset.
5. Improved Productivity and Focus: Morning sunlight can enhance alertness and cognitive function, improving your productivity and focus. It helps you feel more awake and mentally ready to tackle the day’s challenges.
6. Sense of Calmness and Positivity: Spending time in the early morning sunlight, especially in natural outdoor settings, can create a sense of calmness and tranquility. This time alone in the peaceful morning hours allows you to gather your thoughts, set intentions for the day, and cultivate a positive mindset.
7. Connection to Nature: Being outdoors and basking in the morning sunlight allows you to connect with nature. This connection has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and promote feelings of well-being.
I started going outside first thing after waking (well, of course after I go to the bathroom, put on some decent clothes–I am in an RV resort–brush my hair, and grab a bit of coffee) about two weeks ago. I spend about 15-30 minutes facing the sun. During that time I meditate, journal/self coach on my thoughts, scroll social media, or just sit drinking my coffee all while facing the sun.
I found that I am tired and ready for bed by 9:30/10:00, my sleep score is pretty good (still waking to go to the bathroom, though), and the cranky mornings do seem to dissipate much faster. I was a bit more hit or miss this past week getting outside first thing, and I really felt it in my lack of optimism.
If you are struggling managing your mindset and you’d love to feel better, give this a try. And if you do, let me know what you think!
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As a certified life coach, I teach women how to change the thoughts they think and the food they eat so that they can create their best lives from the inside out.
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Karen Durbin | Certified Life Coach 