You Are My Sunshine

As you can see from the title, I began with an old song again – You Are My Sunshine – my only sunshine – You make me happy. I will end it there as that is my point in the following words.

Within the last month I have begun sitting outside in the early morning sun and have become devoted to it as a wonderful way to set my day. I began with only a few minutes and now I linger for a longer time. It is such a peaceful experience, and I have found this time to be deeply refreshing and nourishing to my whole body and mind. I often go out first thing and watch the sun come over the mountains. I began doing this little ritual because I simply enjoy being outside before the sun gets too hot. I have discovered that it triggers hormones that boost my mood, improve my energy levels and help me to sleep better at night.

Our body has a natural timer, a clock, called the circadian rhythm. When we experience the early morning light (without sunglasses) it signals the circadian rhythm to stop the sleep hormone (Melatonin) and start the wake-up hormone (a healthy level of cortisol). It is a reset that lets the body timer know exactly when to rest later.

Very Well Mind states that by doing this practice we experience better sleep because the morning light helps the body release melatonin when it gets dark outside. It also creates a better mood because the sun boosts serotonin which is a chemical in the brain that makes us feel calm and happy. And then it creates more energy. It gives us a natural, jitter-free energy boost for the day.

Sunlight interacts with our skin prompting the body to synthesize Vitamin D, and Vitamin D strengthens our bones and supercharges the immune system. And because the early morning sun releases nitric oxide into the bloodstream which then dilates the blood vessels, it naturally helps to reduce blood pressure.

The objective is to face the direction of the sun but never stare directly into the sun. Just let the natural light reach your eyes.

Of course, there are those who are getting ready to go about their day and may not feel they have the time to enjoy sitting quietly in the morning sun. But for those who dare to take time for themselves, all the gifts of the morning sun take no longer than five to thirty minutes daily. It is good to know that the best timing for the early morning sun is within thirty to sixty minutes of waking up. The UV rays are mildest between 6:30 and 8:30 A.M. making it an ideal time.

The following is taken from a poem by Christine Sine:
In the Morning Sunlight
I sit in the morning sunlight
Allowing my face to feel
The warmth of the dawning sun.
I sit basking in the warmth
So beautiful,
So life giving,
I sit and breathe in the fragrance
And the joy of it.