Solar Powered Humans: 6 Ways We Can Use the Sun to Fuel Our Souls

ateasevalphillips

Sep 1

4 min read

Much of our modern life is spent plugged into devices, connected to Wi-Fi and surrounded by artificial light. This is thanks to work, how we relax, and our use of social media and modern technology. Now whilst none of this is inherently bad, it's easy to forget we are in fact organic physical beings who need the sun; we are solar powered!

Whilst we don't have solar panels strapped to our backs, our bodies and minds do rely on sunlight in remarkable ways. The sun can help us regulate our sleep and boost our mood, and quietly influences our health every single day. I’m not trying to be unrealistic and insist that we spend September sunbathing for hours, but I do think we could all benefit from reconnecting with natural rhythms and allowing sunlight to support our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Here are six practical ways to let the sun fuel your soul.

1. Start Your Morning with Natural Light

Morning sunlight sends a signal to your brain that it's time to be awake. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm (kind of like your body's internal clock) which influences everything from energy levels and concentration to hormone production and sleep quality. So, a simple yet powerful habit you can develop is stepping outside within the first hour of waking up.

I’ve coined the term “home-ute” (home commute) as a way of getting out of the house and “commuting” back before I start working from home everyday - and let me tell you, even on cloudy Welsh mornings the natural daylight is significantly brighter than indoor lighting. Two minutes or twenty minutes, it doesn’t matter! Morning sunlight can help you feel more alert throughout the day and improve your sleep later that evening.

2. Recharge During Your Lunch Break

Lots of us spend our lunch break sitting exactly where we've worked all morning because we’re tired/busy/bored. Instead, use that time to find daylight!

A short walk outside gives your brain a chance to reset, reduces mental fatigue and often sparks creative thinking. You might find you return to work calmer, more focused and better able to solve problems. A nearby park, a quiet street or even sitting on a bench in the sunshine can make a noticeable difference. Let the sun slow your mind; go back feeling solar powered!

3. Let the Sun Lift Your Brain

Sunlight encourages the brain to produce serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness, calmness and emotional wellbeing. It's no coincidence that people notice their mood dipping during the darker winter months - it’s why we focus on Wintering and transitions here every year at @Ease. While sunlight isn't a cure for depression or anxiety, regular exposure can form an important part of a healthy wellbeing routine. Build a habit of asking yourself, "Have I been outside today?". A twenty-minute walk beneath an open sky won't solve your problems, but it can help you face them with a clearer mind, especially when you’ve integrated seeking sunshine into your daily habits.

4. Move Your Body Outdoors

Exercise is good for us. Exercise outside is often even better. It could be walking, gardening, cycling, yoga on the beach of joining a park run - just find something that combines movement with natural light provides a double boost. The goal is to move your body while reconnecting with the world around you. Notice the warmth on your skin, the breeze, the birdsong and the changing seasons. These small moments help anchor us in the present.

5. Use Sunset as Your Evening Wind-Down

Just as morning sunlight helps wake us up, watching the evening light fade tells our brains it's time to prepare for rest. Modern life often ignores this natural transition, and the blue light emitted from our screens is the enemy of sleepiness.

Whenever possible, go and watch the sunset (even a glimpse through the window is better than not paying attention what so ever). You could also try dimming indoor lights after dark, putting your phone away earlier, or stealing a few quiet moments outside as daylight fades.

These simple rituals help your body produce melatonin, the hormone that prepares you for sleep. Think of sunset as nature's gentle reminder that it's time to power off.

6. Swap it for Sunlight

Making the most of sunlight doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul, but intentional choices we make each day that add up. Instead of just cracking on with things, ask yourself, "Could I do this outside instead?"

This could look like eating breakfast by an open window rather than in front of the television, sitting outside in a café rather than indoors, or taking your work telephone call in the garden if your job allows.

These simple swaps don't take extra time, they make better use of the time you already have by gently weaving more natural light into your everyday routine. Over time, those small moments can lift your mood, increase your energy and help you feel more connected to both nature and yourself.

When the Sun Doesn't Shine

Living in the UK means sunshine isn't always guaranteed and grey skies are simply part of life. Fortunately, even cloudy days provide valuable natural daylight. Being outside on an overcast day often delivers far more light than staying indoors under artificial bulbs. So don't wait for perfect weather, dress for the occasion so your body still benefits from being outside.

A Gentle Reminder About Sun Safety

While sunshine offers many health benefits, balance is essential. Protect your skin during periods of strong sunlight by using sun cream, sitting in the shade if you’re too warm, and drinking plenty of water. We’re aiming for a re-charge, not a slow-roast.

Closing Thoughts

Every sunrise offers a fresh start.
Every lunchtime walk is an opportunity to reset.
Every sunset invites us to slow down.

We may not literally run on solar power, but our minds, bodies and souls certainly seem to thrive when we reconnect with the natural light that has shaped human life for thousands of years.