There’s nothing better than catching a beautiful sunset – or even better, a sunrise.
As well as allowing us to see something gorgeous, making a conscious effort to watch the sunrise and sunset every day can do wonders for our minds and bodies.
While it’s easy to take for granted, bearing witness to the sun as it moves over the sky can do a lot for us, from giving us a sense of gratitude to forcing us into a routine.
But the main benefit is that it helps us to get better sleep. I’ve been struggling with my sleep recently so this is of particular interest to me at the moment.
1. Watching the sunrise and sunset will give you a better night’s sleep
Humans have an internal body clock, known as our circadian rhythm, that controls and influences all bodily functions, and our circadian rhythm is controlled primarily by light.
Natural light tells our master clock to generate alertness, which in turns keeps us awake. And as the night draws in and the sun sets we begin to produce melatonin, our ‘sleepy hormone,’ which helps us fall asleep and stay asleep.
These days, technology such as artificial light and screens wreak havoc on our internal body clocks and sleeping patterns. But this can be combated by simply opening our eyes and curtains when the sun comes up, and closing them when it goes down.
Physically watching the sunrise is a great signal to our brains that it is time to start the day.
Getting out in the natural light in the morning is also beneficial for our sleep as exposure to the light early in the day, as well as physical activity, helps to set our internal body clocks.
Equally, watching the sunset is a perfect form of meditation or mindfulness to set us up for a good night’s sleep. Focusing on the gradual light change, colours in the sky and natural shapes can give us some respite from our busy minds.
Anything that helps us relax will in turn help us to get a settled night’s sleep.
Four more benefits to watching the sunrise and sunset every day
Though the biggest impact of watching the sunrise and sunset is likely to be on your sleep cycle, there are multiple other reasons to get that early start or find time in the evening to watch the sky.
2. Physical benefits
Our circadian rhythm doesn’t just control our sleep-to-wake cycle, it also controls other bodily functions, like hunger cues, and our physical and mental wellbeing.
As self-care expert and founder of BlissBox Shareen Kullar explains: ‘Staying in tune with your circadian rhythm regulates your blood sugar and cholesterol. It also reduces physical illnesses as it influences your immune system.’
3. It gives us a sense of routine
Watching the sunrise and sunset daily can help us to stick to a routine.
‘This will give your day organisation and calm,’ says Kullar. ‘It will also give your day a sense of purpose and a chance to wipe the slate clean. The sunrise will inspire you at the start of a new day and the sunset will allow you to consciously end your day, no matter what day you’ve had, knowing that you have a brand new day ahead of you.’
4. It forces us to be present and grateful
In today’s busy world, moments of calm are invigorating and finding time to be completely present, even if just for five minutes is vital.
‘Watching something as beautiful as the sunrise and sunset will keep you in the present moment,’ explains Kullar. ‘It also gives you a chance to be grateful twice a day which will increase your happiness levels and release endorphins.’
5. It gets us outside
If you commit to going outside to watch the sunrise and sunset every day, you’ll soon notice the benefits.
In the hot summer months in the Cayman Islands, it can be easy to spend more than a whole day in the A/C without leaving your home, especially if you work from home. I find it is best to go for a beach walk early in the morning (to catch the sunrise) and in the early evenings (to enjoy the sunset.)
Kullar says: ‘Going outside to watch the sunrise and sunset will allow you to get some fresh air and release happy hormones like dopamine just by being out in nature.’
If happy hormones are being dished out, count me in!
‘Coral Sunset’
Acrylic on Canvas
To order a print contact studio@claireatthebeach.com