Morning Light - For Health’s Sake, Better Bask In It
Cavemen were a thing of the past, so to speak. With that said, why not go out daily and bask in the morning light? You’ll be surprised by the health benefits. Also, you might be shocked by the consequences of not doing so.
Morning lightrefers to the natural light that occurs during the early hours of the day, typically shortly after sunrise.
This light is characterized by its soft, warm glow, which can vary in intensity and color depending on a range of factors such as weather conditions and geographic location.
The morning light has been studied for its impact on human health and wellbeing.
Additionally, morning light is often prized by photographers for its soft, flattering quality. Moreover, it has been a source of inspiration for artists and writers throughout history.
What beauty, not to mention, health benefits, can people get from morning light?
What a lack of sunlight really does to our brains - BBC REEL
Morning light refers to the light that is present during the early hours of the day, typically from sunrise until mid-morning.
This type of light is known for its soft, warm glow that can make the environment appear peaceful and serene.
It is often characterized by its golden color and long shadows, as the sun is still low on the horizon.
Morning light has significant importance in various aspects of life, such as in the following fields:
photography
art
literature
Photographers and artists often use morning light to create beautiful and captivating images. It can enhance the colors and textures of the subject and create interesting shadows and highlights.
Morning light seeping through trees and leaves in a forest
In literature, morning light is often used to symbolize:
new beginnings
hope
optimism
It represents a fresh start and a new day, full of possibilities.
It is also associated with tranquility, peace, and calmness, making it a common motif in poems, novels, and other forms of literature.
In addition to its aesthetic and symbolic value, morning light has several practical benefits as well.
Sunlight is a powerful stuff. Perhaps more powerful than most people realize. The perils of living without sunlight are quite real. In winter, we often feel somewhat out of sorts at this time of the year.- John Stephen “Steve” Jones
Exposure to natural morning light can help regulate our body’s circadian rhythm and improve our overall sleep quality.
It can also boost our mood and energy levels, making us feel more alert and focused throughout the day.
The morning light can represent various things depending on cultural, social, and personal contexts.
Here are a few examples:
a. Renewal and Rejuvenation
For many people, the morning light represents the start of a new dayand the opportunity for a fresh start.
The warmth and brightness of the sunlight can bring a sense of hope and positivity. It can inspire people to set new goals and make positive changes in their lives.
b. Awakening and Awareness
The morning light can also symbolize a moment of awakening and heightened awareness.
As the darkness fades away and the world slowly comes to life, people may feel more alert and attuned to their surroundings.
c. Promise and Possibility
It can be a time of great potential and opportunity. It could signify a moment to seize the day and make the most of the time ahead.
d. Hope and Faith
In some spiritual or religious contexts, the morning light may represent hope and faith.
It can be seen as a reminder of the promise of a new dawn and the possibility of a better future.
The morning light can represent different things to different people, but it generally conveys a sense of:
positivity
energy
potential
A long-haired blonde woman seated by an open glass window and basking in morning light
Sunlight exposure or morning light has a range of potential health benefits.
Steve Jones, who turned 79 this year and is an emeritus professor of Human Genetics at University College London (UCL), also shared this piece of information with BBC:
“„
A lack of sunlight means your immune system doesn’t work well; your defense mechanism don’t work well.- John Stephen “Steve” Jones
Some of the main benefits of basking in sunlight include:
1. Increased vitamin D production
Sunlight exposure is the primary source of vitamin D, which is essential for healthy:
bones
teeth
immune system function
2. Improved mood
Exposure to sunlight can help improve mood by increasing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of well-being.
4. Lower blood pressure
Exposure to natural light has been shown to lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure, hypertension, stroke).
5. Improved cognitive function
Sunlight exposure has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory and concentration.
6. Improved skin health
Moderate exposure to sunlight can help improve skin health by increasing blood flow and promoting the production of vitamin D.
7. Improved circadian rhythm
Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, helps regulate the body’s internal clock, which controls sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes.
Circadian biologist and STEM entrepreneur Aarti Jagannath cited in the said BBC video some of the effects of lack of morning light:
“an effect on mood”
“increased depression”
“more metabolic disorders”
Jagannath, an associate professor in Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, added that collectively:
“„
All of these things [the effects] are offshoots of a disrupted circadian clock.- Aarti Jagannath
However, it’s important to note that excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Therefore, it’s essential to practice safe sun habits, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak hours of the day.
Circadian rhythm is a natural physiological process that regulates various bodily functions and behavioral patterns in living organisms, including humans.
It refers to the approximately 24-hour cycle that governs the body’s internal clock or biological clock.
A group of neurons called suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) - located in the hypothalamus of the brain - control this internal/biological clock.
When talking about circadian rhythm in humans, here’s basically how things work:
a. The eyes detect light.
b. Then the SCN receives input from the eyes.
c. The SCN uses this information to synchronize the body’s internal clock with the external environment.
d. The SCN then sends signals to other parts of the brain and body to regulate various physiological functions.
Strategies for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm include exposure to natural light or morning light.
In humans, circadian rhythm plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as:
metabolism
sleep-wake cycles
body temperature
hormone production
immune system function
Understanding and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm is essential for optimal health and well-being; so better get your daily dose of morning light.
Sunrise and sunset light can be similar in some ways, but they are not exactly the same.
At both sunrise and sunset, the sun is low on the horizon, which causes the light to appear warmer and more golden in color compared to the light during the middle of the day.
As for the difference, at sunrise, the light tends to be cooler and bluer, while at sunset it is warmer and more orange or red.