Getting outside and into the fresh air for a period of time every day is something we should all strive to do. There’s just something refreshing about soaking up warm sunlight, a light breeze, and crisp, fresh air.
If you already walk daily, you’re on the right path! But according to science, there’s a specific time each day that provides the most benefit from walking.
It’s morning!
That’s because our bodies rely on light for timekeeping. Getting light into our eyes and onto our skin within an hour of waking up each day helps to keep our circadian rhythms balanced and healthy. Upon waking each morning, your body’s light sensitivity is extremely low, so getting outside for just ten minutes can give your brain the blast of brightness that it needs to get into the rhythm of your day.
In fact, how we spend the first hour after waking up can play a big role on how we’ll sleep that night.
That’s why getting outside is so important. In addition to helping our bodies get moving, cortisol will also begin coursing through our veins, providing energy we need for the day.
So, the next time you wake up, make it a goal to get outside and walk for just ten minutes to let the sun wake you up naturally (without sunglasses unless you have a medical condition requiring them).
Let us know if you notice any differences the next time you visit our practice. We can’t wait to hear about your experience!