Last Tuesday, on my way to work, I stopped at Ramsgate Beach to watch the sunrise.
It was one of those beautiful Sydney mornings where the sun slowly appeared over the horizon and, for a few minutes, everything seemed a little quieter.
It made me think about something we probably don’t appreciate enough.
The incredible power of the sun.
Almost all life on Earth ultimately depends on energy from the sun. Plants use sunlight to grow through photosynthesis, forming the foundation of food chains and helping produce the oxygen we breathe.
Yet when we talk about our own health, sunlight often gets reduced to one conversation: avoiding too much of it.
Protecting our skin from excessive UV exposure is obviously important, particularly here in Australia. But sunlight also plays an important role in our health and wellbeing.
Sunlight Helps Set Your Body Clock
One of the most interesting benefits of getting outside in the morning is what light does to our circadian rhythm, our body’s internal 24-hour clock.
Exposure to bright light in the morning helps signal to your brain that the day has begun.
Your circadian rhythm influences when you feel awake, when you become tired and the timing of many processes throughout your body.
This is one reason getting outside soon after waking can be such a simple addition to a healthy morning routine.
You don’t need anything fancy.
Go for a walk. Have your morning coffee outside. Take the dog around the block. Or simply sit outside for a few minutes before starting your day.
Sunlight and Vitamin D
Sunlight also plays an important role in vitamin D production.
When UVB radiation reaches our skin, it triggers a process that allows our body to produce vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and muscles, which becomes increasingly relevant as we get older.
This fits closely with what we talk about at Live Well every day.
If you want to stay strong and independent as you age, maintaining your muscle strength, bone health and physical capacity matters.
Of course, more sunlight isn’t necessarily better. Australia’s UV levels can be extremely high, so sensible sun protection remains important. How much sun exposure is appropriate varies depending on skin type, location, season and UV levels.
Sunlight Can Influence How We Feel
There’s also something much simpler about being outside in natural light.
Think about how you feel when you step outside on a beautiful morning.
There’s a reason people are drawn to beaches, parks, gardens and outdoor spaces.
Getting outside often means we’re moving, breathing fresh air, disconnecting from screens and taking a moment away from the constant stimulation of modern life.
And sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
The Sunrise Effect
This brings me back to watching the sunrise.
Coach Toby witnesses the sunrise most mornings down at Bondi Beach.
Perhaps that explains his almost zen-like nature.
If you’ve met Toby, you’ll know what I mean. He rarely seems rushed. In fact, he doesn’t really walk around the studio. He seems to glide through it!
Maybe he’s onto something.
Watching the sunrise forces you to slow down.
For a few minutes, there’s no need to answer emails, check social media or think about the next meeting.
You simply watch.
And as the sun begins to creep over the horizon, there’s something reassuring about being reminded that a new day has started.
Health Isn’t Only About Exercise
At Live Well, we obviously believe strongly in exercise.
We want people to lift, sprint and play.
We want you to maintain your strength, fitness, balance, mobility and confidence so you can continue doing the things you love for decades to come.
But good health isn’t created by one workout.
It’s the combination of many small behaviours repeated consistently.
Strength training.
Walking.
Eating well.
Sleeping.
Spending time with people you enjoy.
Getting outside.
Moving your body.
And occasionally slowing down enough to appreciate what’s happening around you.
Your Challenge This Week
So here’s a very simple challenge.
When was the last time you watched the sunrise?
If you can’t remember, make the effort to see one this week.
Pick a morning.
Get up a little earlier.
Head outside.
Leave your phone in your pocket.
Take a walk or simply find somewhere peaceful to sit.
Then spend a few minutes watching one of the most powerful forces in nature appear over the horizon.
The sun helps sustain life across our planet.
Maybe taking a little time to appreciate it can help us look after our own health as well.
Stay strong. Stay active. Get outside.
