Did you know that just two minutes of natural sunlight within an hour of waking up can jumpstart your day and leave you feeling more alert and energized? It’s true!
This insight comes from Dr. Amy Shaw, a double board-certified medical doctor and author of the book “I’m So Tired.” She says it’s the most important thing you can do to feel energized.
Why? Because our eyes have special receptors that tell our brain it’s time to wake up and get moving when they detect natural light.
The Science Behind the Sunshine
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “John, how can two minutes make such a difference?” Well, here’s the fantastic part. Those two minutes of sunlight start a chain reaction in your body:
Day 1: You get your two minutes of sunlight. Your brain gets the wake-up call.
Day 2: You wake up with more energy, making it easier to get up and outside for your daily dose of sunshine.
Day 3 and beyond: You become even more energized!
It’s like compound interest for your energy levels. A small investment each day leads to big returns over time.
But What If I Wake Up Before Dawn?
I hear you, early birds! If you’re up before the sun, you don’t have to worry. Dr. Shaw suggests using a light box as a stand-in for natural sunlight. It’s not quite the same as basking in the morning glow, but it can still help kickstart your day.
Your Energy Challenge
Here’s what I’d like you to try this week:
1. Set a reminder on your phone for shortly after you wake up.
2. When it goes off, step outside or find a sunny spot indoors for just two minutes.
3. Let the light hit your eyes (but don’t stare directly at the sun, of course!).
4. Notice how you feel immediately after, and track your energy levels throughout the day.
Do this for a week and see if you notice a difference. I bet you’ll be amazed at how such a small change can have a big impact.
A Moment of Reflection
As we journey through life, it’s easy to overlook the simple things that can make a huge difference. This two-minute sunlight trick is a perfect example of how a small, intentional act can ripple through our entire day, boosting our energy and our mood.
Remember, every new day is a gift, a fresh start. By greeting each morning with intention (and a little sunlight), we set ourselves up for a day filled with possibility and purpose.
Here’s to sunlit mornings and energized days!
