The science behind morning sunlight and a happier life

The world celebrates the International Day of Happiness in the month of March. There are many paths to happiness, and morning sunlight is one effective way. Life and the nature surrounding it have an inbuilt system to sustain and grow life, as well as support mental health, well-being, and happiness. Often, we do not realise the importance of nature and its impact on our lives, including mental health and happiness. There are many natural solutions to various aspects of life, including happiness, and this article focuses on the role of morning sunlight in happiness.

Though we have heard about the benefits of morning sunlight from our parents, teachers, and others, we do not realise its importance. To realise this and understand its importance, let us look at the scientific evidence. Research across multiple studies has shown the impact of morning sunlight on happiness, and the most important reasons are listed here.

First, for morning sunlight, one needs to get up early on the road to their hard work, which shows the positive impact of getting up early on health and well-being, a relationship also highlighted in Sleep Medicine research by Professor Charles A. Czeisler at Harvard Medical School, whose studies on human circadian rhythms show that early rising aligned with natural light cycles improves sleep quality, alertness, and overall well-being.

Second, to get up early in the morning, one needs to go to bed early, which helps mitigate the negative impact of going to bed too late, as people today spend a lot of time on various screens, and this is not good for mental health and well-being, a concern also supported by Public Health research by Professor Charles F. Czeisler at Harvard Medical School, whose work on sleep and electronic device exposure shows that excessive evening screen use disrupts sleep and harms psychological health.

Third, research shows that getting up early and looking at the morning sunlight helps reduce cortisol, the main stress hormone, a finding supported by Neuroscience research by Professor Andrew J Huberman at Stanford University, whose work on light exposure demonstrates that early morning sunlight helps regulate the body's stress response and stabilises cortisol rhythms.

Fourth, research shows that getting up early in the morning and spending time in nature helps in the release of serotonin, a very important hormone-the happiness hormone-for mood stabilisation and feeling good, a relationship documented in Psychiatry research by Professor Michael Terman at Columbia University, whose clinical studies on light exposure show that natural morning light increases serotonin activity and improves mood.

“Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you”- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Fifth, research shows the positive impact of morning sunlight levels on feelings of well-being, mental health, and physical health, a pattern also reported in Environmental Health research by Professor Richard J. Weller at the University of Edinburgh, whose studies demonstrate that sunlight exposure supports cardiovascular health and overall physiological well-being.

Sixth, human life is busy, and during the day and evenings one is surrounded by many people, but by getting up early to see the morning sunrise and morning sunlight, one can find time for oneself, including self-reflection and self-improvement, which helps in mental and physical health and overall well-being, an idea also supported by Positive Psychology research by Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky at the University of California, Riverside, whose studies show that quiet personal reflection and intentional morning routines significantly enhance happiness and life satisfaction.

Seventh, not only modern research but also traditional knowledge systems and traditional medicine systems highlight the role of morning sunlight in happiness. This is backed up by research from Professor Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona, whose work on traditional healing and healthy living shows that old practices in Ayurveda and other traditional health systems focus on getting morning sunlight to keep our body clocks on track, lift our mood, and support both physical and mental health. There are many other research studies showing the positive impact of morning sunlight on happiness and well-being. This is something which is easily available to us and costs no money. Let us celebrate by starting to experience and enjoy morning sunlight for a healthier and happier life!

(The author is a Professor of Strategy at the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He is popularly known as India’s Happiness Professor and his latest work is The Indian Practice of Happiness: Secrets from Centenarians) ; views are personal