Springtime is just around the corner! There are so many things to look forward to- spring break, flowers blooming, warmer temperatures, and best of all- more sunlight! Did you know that getting more sunlight, especially in the morning, can provide a lot of wellness benefits? Read ahead for more information about what just a few minutes of morning sun can do for you!

Increases Your Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is involved in bone health, immunity, metabolism, and has a role in mood regulation. Most nutrients must be consumed through food, but vitamin D can also be produced in our skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Morning sun in particular is linked to more vitamin D production in the skin. Many of us don’t get enough vitamin D from our foods, so this can be a helpful tool to keep your levels up!

Regulates Circadian Rhythm

When you hear “Circadian rhythm,” do you think only of sleep? I used to, too. But, circadian rhythm refers to more than just our sleep patterns; it encompasses our hormonal releases, appetite and digestion, mood, and even body temperatures over the course of the day. Experiencing just 10-15 minutes of morning sun has been shown to regulate our nighttime production of melatonin (the “sleep hormone”). So many of us don’t see the sun often during the day and stay up much later than sunset, which impacts our natural circadian rhythm. That means that we can experience improved regulation in our sleep, mood, energy levels, digestion, and hunger cues just by adding in a few minutes of sunlight in the morning.

Improves Mood

When sunlight touches your skin, it starts a process of endorphin formation. Endorphins are the chemicals in our brains we often think of as the “happy hormones”. Starting your morning with a boost in endorphins is sure to set a positive tone for the rest of your day!

Could Improve Blood Sugar Control

More research is needed here, but there is some evidence that people who get more sunlight and have adequate vitamin D stores, have improved blood glucose control. If you can add a quick walk during this outside time, there is ample evidence that you can improve your blood sugars with as little as 10 minutes at a time.

All of these are great reasons to try getting out to see the morning sun- not to mention how powerful it can be to start your day by prioritizing yourself, your needs, and your health. If you need help integrating this into your routine, or want more information, give us a call today!