This one daily habit can benefit everyone for free if they start doing it this winter
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What if we told you that you could sleep better, feel more energised and find a happier emotional balance just by going for a brisk morning walk? It sounds too good to be true, but studies show that spending as little as five to 10 minutes in the early-morning sunlight every day can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health. And the best part is, it’s totally free!.
“Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning is absolutely vital,” says neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman, whose science podcast Huberman Lab frequently ranks in the top 10 podcasts worldwide. “It directly impacts our mood, our sleep, our ability to wake up and focus, our hormone levels, our immune system and our ability to cope with stress.”.
But too many of us spend most (if not all) of our days indoors, often in front of a screen – and we wonder why we feel sluggish, burnt-out and anxious. “Humans evolved to live in harmony with the natural environment. Our ancestors spent their days exposed to the dynamic interplay of sunlight, temperature changes and fresh air,” explains Kate Booker, a naturopath and nutritional therapist (@kate.holistic.health). “However, modern lifestyles trap us indoors, depriving us of these natural regulators. This disconnection contributes to many chronic health issues such as poor sleep, low energy, hormonal imbalances and increased stress.”.
A recent UK study of 85,000 people showed a link between low daytime light (often coupled with bright night-time light) and an increase in conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and self-harm.
