The one daily habit you should be doing for free this winter that benefits everyone

ok.co.uk:

Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, energised, and emotionally balanced just from a brisk morning walk. It might seem far-fetched, but research indicates that just 5 to 10 minutes of early-morning sunlight daily can significantly benefit our physical and mental well-being and it won't cost you a penny! "Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning is absolutely vital," neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman, host of the popular Huberman Lab podcast, insists. "It directly impacts our mood, our sleep, our ability to wake up and focus, our hormone levels, our immune system and our ability to cope with stress." Yet, many of us are guilty of spending most of our time indoors, glued to screens, then wondering why we're left feeling tired, burnt-out, and anxious.

Naturopath and nutritional therapist Kate Booker (@kate.holistic. health) sheds light on the issue: "Humans evolved to live in harmony with the natural environment.

Our ancestors spent their days exposed to the dynamic interplay of sunlight, temperature changes and fresh air," she says. "However, modern lifestyles trap us indoors, depriving us of these natural regulators.This disconnection contributes to many chronic health issues such as poor sleep, low energy, hormonal imbalances and increased stress.", reports the Mirror.

A recent study in the UK involving 85,000 participants has found a connection between low daytime light (often paired with bright night-time light) and an increase in conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and self-harm.