It feels like everyone is talking about soaking up the sun and starting the day with protein right? Turns out the importance of circadian rhythms and their impact on health cannot be overstated and could well be the missing piece of the health puzzle, especially if you've been unable to turn around chronic issues like: bad sleep, low energy, aches and pains and digestive issues. Thanks to my friend Anna, I decided to try these simple, free practices out myself over the last couple of months or so, and have experienced remarkable benefits like improved digestion, better sleep, reduced aches and pains, and boosted energy and mood levels by making a few tweaks to my routine.

Here's a glimpse into what I've been doing:

- Watching the sunrise grounded - barefoot, often heading to the beach for a longer soak in the morning light followed by a dip in the ocean - the ultimate grounding!
- Taking in mid-morning UVA rays, even if it means just stepping outside for a couple of minutes
- Sunbathing at solar noon, guided by the (free) Dminder app.
- Trying to catch the sunset barefoot, though it's a bit of a challenge with winter approaching, and dinner prep, end of the day kid pick ups etc
- Wearing blue blocker glasses from @blockbluelight and dimming lights after sunset.
- Opting for a breakfast rich in protein and fat, like leftover meat or chili con carne with an egg and cheese.
- Opening windows for natural light exposure while working at my desk.

Resetting your circadian rhythms can bring about several other benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, balanced hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), regulated thyroid function, enhanced mental health, and increased immune function.

For more info on this topic, I recommend checking out resources like @sarahkleinerwellness, @blockbluelight, @wellbellyhealth, @drjackkruse, @stirringchange, and @circadiankids.

It's easy to overlook our body's internal clock, the circadian rhythm, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. When I think of how many years I woke in the dark, worked under artificial light all day, then drove home in the dark to watch TV all night - I now realise how this was setting the scene for sub par health!  Circadian rhythm - this innate biological rhythm, regulated by a tiny region in the centre of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), plays a crucial role in synchronising our sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, metabolism, and overall health and well-being.

Melanopsin, a light-sensitive pigment in our eyes, is a key player in the circadian rhythm. It's particularly sensitive to blue light, which is abundant in artificial lighting and electronic devices. Exposure to blue light, especially at night, can disrupt the circadian rhythm and lead to sleep disturbances and other health issues.

Dr. Jack Kruse's work on quantum health emphasises the importance of natural light exposure, especially in the morning, to synchronise our circadian rhythm with the natural light-dark cycle. By minimising artificial blue light and maximising natural light exposure, we can optimise our circadian rhythm and promote better health.

Grounding

Something else to be mindful of: electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and non-native EMFs (nnEMFs) from electronic devices can disrupt our circadian rhythm and overall health. Grounding, or connecting directly with the earth's surface, can help mitigate the effects of EMFs and nnEMFs. Being barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, or in the ocean, allows for direct contact with the earth's natural electromagnetic field, which can help balance our own energy field and support our circadian rhythm - and it feels great!

When grounding, it's important to be mindful of the materials that can conduct or block grounding. Materials like concrete and asphalt are not conductive, so walking on these surfaces won't provide grounding benefits. On the other hand, materials like grass, soil, sand, and water are conductive and can facilitate grounding. Incorporating practices like starting your day with natural sunlight, exposing yourself to natural light throughout the day, limiting blue light exposure in the evening, sunbathing, and grounding can help optimise your circadian rhythm and improve your overall health and well-being.

As your own boss of your own lifestyle business, you have the flexibility to prioritise your health. Whether it's taking a quick sunbath at lunchtime or stepping outside for a moment of grounding, incorporating circadian rhythm-optimising practices into your day can help you achieve optimal health and well-being. 

For the first couple of days I had to set an alarm (with a red filter on my phone) to rise in time for the sunrise, but almost miraculously after that, I wake naturally at first light (about 10 mins before sunrise).  This practice feels so good - it becomes easy to do and something to look forward to.  This blog pic, is one I snapped on my phone from a recent sunrise at the beach, no filter needed.  Magical.