Enjoying Morning Light to Reduce Cravings?

I am not a fan of winter. It’s frigid temperatures and bustling wind drive me to huddle up in scarves and coats! When I’m not bundled up, I am closing myself indoors.  Although this is my nature, I am going outside my comfort zone today and heading outside into the morning light.

God is calling me to the light.

Not just the light of His presence and perfection to heal the darkest corners of my soul, but also to the light of His creation.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.  And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.”  “Genesis 1:1-3

Genesis 1:1-3 ESV – The Creation of the World – In the – Bible Gateway

Unlike my twenty-year commute to the city for work, working from home gives me the opportunity to start my day this way. I’m no longer leaving before sunrise and returning home after dark.

So, despite my reluctance, I head out. Surprisingly, the crisp cool air coming across my face and in my lungs this morning gives me energy. Among the still quietness, the coolness becomes comforting. As a gentle breeze blows, I begin to relax. Chirping birds, the distant crow of a rooster, and a woodpecker’s steady taps welcome me to morning peacefulness.

It’s so comforting, I am reluctant to return indoors and start my workday. I want to absorb the quiet perfection of morning a little longer.

God knows this. He designed me this way, just like He designed the morning light. The infrared light reaches the eyes, and photoreceptors turn the light into electrical signals that are used throughout the body.

You and I are perfectly designed and placed into an atmosphere designed for us.

In the beginning God separated the light from the darkness. He set a great light in the sky for the day and lesser light in the darkness for night. With advanced technology, scientists are discovering how important this distinction is for you and me in every aspect of our health.

How Morning Light May Help

The morning light, without sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses, sets our circadian rhythm. The internal clock orchestrating our metabolism, hormone balance, and our feeding and fasting rhythms is set into motion.

It is responsible for regulating our body temperature, stimulating cortisol for energy production, and regulating hunger and satiety hormones like leptin and ghrelin.  Adiponectin, our insulin-sensitive, anti- inflammatory -helper- hormone is also kicked into gear.

All this benefit is free at our fingertips with the exposure of 15 minutes of first morning light. This time of day sets our circadian rhythm in the right direction. Friend, that’s better than any cup of coffee or sugary doughnut!

Research institutes know light is so important, they are harnessing some of its power in belts, bands, and upright stands. Near infrared light therapy is used to treat eye diseases, nerve repair, carpal tunnel syndrome, and soft tissue injuries. The therapies improve mitochondrial (the powerhouse of every cell that produces energy and restores cells) function and reduces inflammation. (1)

There is also substantial research for its use in neurodegenerative conditions, neuromuscular disorders, hair regrowth, memory, and mood disorders. (1)

Although these devices are hopeful, they cannot compare to the power of the sun to support our immune systems and overall health.

For instance, Dr. Roger Seheult, has studied infrared light extensively and provides science-based information in his “Sunlight:  Optimize Health & Immunity” video available on YouTube. Although lengthy (2 hours), it helps the general public understand the value of sunlight.

According to Science Direct, only 39% of the sun’s light is visible. The remaining 54% is invisible near and far infrared light, while the last 7% is ultraviolet (UVA –harmful kind) and UVB (used for synthesis of vitamin D). 

Green and blue lights from our LED lights, phones, televisions, and laptops interfere with our circadian rhythm. However, we can get filter apps for our screens or blue blocking glasses to help reduce our exposure in the evening, so our sleep pattern is maintained.

But we need the red and infrared lights throughout the day, so we function at our best potential. I am making the effort to get the light God designed for my function today. I also want to make the effort to get as much as I can each day for maximum mental and physical health.

Ideas to Help You Get Morning Light

Since it is winter, and optimal times of daylight are hard to grab, here are some crazy ideas I’ve implemented this week to make this a daily habit, and one thing I stopped doing at night.

• Getting natural sunlight by lowering my car window on my commute in the morning. The glass is designed to block UVB (not UVA) and infrared light. Since it’s cold outside, I turn up the heat to full blast, and leave my coat and scarf in place. I know, I look like a crazy lady, but I believe the morning light is that powerful. Plus, I am by myself, it’s doable.
•  Sit in my car, bundled up with the window down, maybe with the heat on, at lunchtime.
• Sit on the front porch and enjoy my morning coffee.
• Take a brisk walk in the morning or at lunch.
• Turn off blue light exposure at night, the TV, laptop, phone, and bright overhead lights stop the production of melatonin production at night. We need this master hormone in place to set the rhythm of our sleep cycle in motion.

How about you? What ways do you get the benefits of outdoor or morning light when it’s cold outside?

I am here for you and learning new things every day to share with you! It is a joy serving you, as a faith-based RN Health and Wellness Coach for any of your chronic disease problems. You can contact me here for a free consultation or check out the Strengthen Your Heart Blog for encouragement and healthy recipes!

References:

Zhu Q, Xiao S, Hua Z, Yang D, Hu M, Zhu YT, Zhong H. Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review. Int J Med Sci. 2021 Jan 1;18(1):109-119. doi: 10.7150/ijms.52980. PMID: 33390779; PMCID: PMC7738953.

Burgess HJ, Park M, Ong JC, Shakoor N, Williams DA, Burns J. Morning Versus Evening Bright Light Treatment at Home to Improve Function and Pain Sensitivity for Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study. Pain Med. 2017 Jan 1;18(1):116-123. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw160. PMID: 27473633.