10 Ways Watching the Sunrise Can Boost Your Mental Health!

When was the last time you got up at the crack of dawn, took a hike, sat with a hot cup of cocoa, and watched as the sun rose to greet you with open arms and rays full of warmth? I went to see the sunrise many years ago. Still, I want to remedy that soon, especially after learning about the amazing mental health benefits of watching the sunrise in the morning. 

Even if I can’t watch the sunrise from the mountains, I can still enjoy and experience the magic. The rays of early morning light break through the darkness of the night, painting the skies with warm hues of pink. What we believe to be a daily, almost a taken-for-granted event, could be a therapeutic experience for many. 

As the sun rises, casting the warm rays of light, it feels as if nature itself is putting on a show just for us. Everything seems to come alive with the dawn of the new day, and so do you. Watching the early sunrise is not only emotional but a sensory experience that captivates your mind and soul. 

So, what are the mental health benefits of watching the sunrise that I’m talking about? Well, keep reading to learn how early morning sunrise can help boost your mood and mental health! 

Mental Health Benefits of Watching the Sunrise

1. It Reduces Stress 

Yes, watching the calming colors of the sunrise can lower your stress levels. The gentle transition from the darkness of night to the morning light can give your mind space to release tension and produce a sense of peace and calmness. 

2. It Elevates Your Mood 

The experience of watching the sunrise can be good for your mood. The calm and soothing moments before the sun fully ascends can release a burst of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that can make you feel happy, content, and giddy. 

3. It Creates Mindful Awareness

The simple act of watching the sunrise can encourage you to be more mindful. It’s that moment of the day when everything is quiet and calm, and when you can be fully present, free from distractions of your life. This practice can ground you in the present, creating an awareness of self and a peaceful mind.  

4. It Connects You With Nature 

Sunrise and Sunset are one of the most beautiful experiences that nature can give us. In our busy urban life, we forget the connection between us and nature. Watching the sunrise can reconnect you with nature and promote a sense of harmony and even belonging. 

5. It Helps Increase Focus

When you start your day by enjoying nature and watching the sunrise, it can set a positive mood and an optimistic tone for the rest of the day. This simple act of watching nature run its cycle can provide you with clarity and increase your focus, which can impact your productivity throughout the day. 

6. It Gives You Hope 

Sunrise isn’t just a celestial occurrence, it is also symbolic. Sunrise represents new beginnings and instills in you a renewed sense of hope. This natural act serves as your daily reminder that each day is a new start and there will always be new opportunities for positive change. 

7. It Improves Your Sleep 

I know! How can sunrise improve your sleep? But, did you know that regular exposure to sunlight, especially during the early morning hours, can help regulate your circadian rhythm? This little adjustment can help you improve your sleep patterns, which can be detrimental to your mental health and even physical health. 

8. It Can Reduce the Risk of Anxiety 

Did you know that lack of sunlight can be linked to higher levels of anxiety and even PTSD? Exposure to sunlight, especially during sunrise, can reduce the risks of anxiety. In Scandinavian countries, it is reported that reduced sunlight can increase nervousness, depression, and other mental health issues. 

9. It Gives Us Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is one of the major sources of calcium in our bodies, which encourages the production of endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good and cause happiness levels to rise, lowering depression. Watching the sunrise can give you the vitamin D your body needs, naturally reducing depression and sadness. 

10. It Acts as a Break Time 

With our busy schedules, there is hardly any time for recharging ourselves and taking breaks as our bodies and minds need. With more than half of the day spent sitting in front of computers and laptops, and scrolling through our social media, the experience of watching the sunrise; either alone or with someone, gives you the time to take a break from your digital life. 

Wrapping Up…

In a life, where we’re constantly hustling from one project to another, taking a few, quiet moments each day just to watch or experience the sunrise can be a therapeutic act and one that is self-care.

The mental health benefits of watching the sunrise in the morning aren’t just anecdotes, but valid facts supported by the impact of nature on our overall well-being. 

So, tomorrow morning, when you wake up, take a moment to step outside with a hot cup of tea or cocoa, and watch the sunrise with mindful breaths. Let the new dawn of the day be your guide to a happier mind. 

Let this be your reminder that sometimes, the most important remedy can be found in simple acts. Comment below with your thoughts about the benefits of watching the sunrise in the section below. 

Take Care!