What are some of the effects that early sunlight exposure does to my day to day life?

Question

I have quite a bit of understanding about the relationship between sunlight and heightened productivity during the day. What’s in it for me, though?

Answer 1

I have gotten into the habit of going out for a morning powerwalk right after I wake up every day. Because I go out so early, I get to watch the sunrise every day and it has a great effect on my mood. I stay outside for maybe 1-2 hours (depending on how far I walk) before coming back home, having a big glass of water, jumping in the shower (I did cold showers during the summer, but now it's getting so damn cold that I have started taking hot showers again for now - otherwise I'd sit and shiver all day) and then have my morning coffee.
I have been sick for the last few days so I took some time off from this routine to rest and even though it was only for 3 days, I immediately felt very different. The muscles in my body became stiff, my mood got worse and I started having trouble going to sleep at night.
I woke up this morning and immediately headed outside for the first time since my days off and I already feel so much better. I admit that getting (back) into the habit can be difficult (I spent about 10 minutes sitting in bed grunting and moaning about having to go outside this morning) but the reward is worth it, 100%.

Comments

Sadly, had to put my sweet peanut down in mid January as she finally lost her battle with kidney disease.  An added benefit to the ice cold shower just after was that it provided at least 3-5 minutes where I didn’t think about it as it’s been rough emotionally after having had her by my side the past 12+ years.

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Oh dear, I am so sorry for your loss.  It is extremely hard to lose a dear pet; they bring so much to us beyond -- in the case of a dog -- getting us outside regularly.  We dealt with the lengthy illness and then death of our last pet (a house rabbit, after 9 years with us) in the first spring and summer of the pandemic, and that certainly increased the depressing awfulness of that time.  As I'm sure you know, with time the pain can ease and your pet will remain with you in cherished memories.  My sympathy and best wishes are with you.  

 (I've never had a dog, but think it would be a good thing for me.  At 70 and having very low energy, I'm just not sure it would be good for the dog.)  


As for this video we have both watched, I am going to try to force myself to walk outside first thing in the morning and follow that with a cool shower -- and to focus on the good of each of those in the moment of doing them.  I need help with poor sleep and depression. All the best to you with whatever brought you to this video.

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 Thank you for the kind words.  The pain certainly has eased a bit.  

The walks in general, whether you’re bundled or wearing short sleeves, will serve you well.  Even with my pooch passing, I still join my wife every morning to walk our other dog as it helps get the day going.  Plus, he won’t go unless I do as he’s very pack driven.  And never thought I’d say it but I’m now addicted to taking the cold shower every morning and a big part of that is I no longer fear it.  Never have to deal with the internal speak of, “maybe I’ll skip it today” as it’s just not an option.  Was away at a sales conference this past week and the water in the hotel was only as cold as a typical pool and I felt cheated.  Who calls down to the front desk complaining, “The water isn’t cold enough”

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Your reply is full of useful experience, wisdom, and good humor and I thank you for it!

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​@@bbahr3 I do that every morning. In the past 14 months I only took hot shower I think 5 times.

Answer 2

Thank you for this rich content! I'm blessed to have it for free.

Answer 3

i have watched most of Huberman podcasts on YT, this is really concise and precise.

Answer 4

Ultimate Summary start to end the day
wake up - cold water - high temp  - light - caffein (if need some more "kick") - productive stuff (work, class, etc) - hot water - low temp - no light - sleep
add water anytime (min 3.7 liters/ days)
add exercise if you have time to spare
add "good food" roughly 5 hour per day

Comments

Everything u wrote is reasonable albeit u can replace the caffeine with water/luke warm water.

Answer 5

I have always struggled at waking up and feeling horrible in mornings. I always said it was because i am too stressed and depressed but now I realise I have been lacking sunlight in mornings. I get up and I walk to my desk to start working from home. I also exercise in the evening and my bedroom gets super hot at night. I honestly feel so good watching this to know the science behind my body and am going to do everything to align my bodyclocks and create an internal summertime

Comments

Hey dude, how did it go

Answer 6

You should add images, graphs, animations to your other videos as well ; its helpful to have an image/memory in our head so its easier to remember all your valuable info and useful for you to explain it. I love your channel, thank you ! Greetings from ECUADOR

Answer 7

It's quite shocking how few people know about the book Unveiling Your Hidden Potential

Comments

Who is the author?

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this is a bot

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Spam

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yes, it is bot

Answer 8

“That mood enhancing effect you feel after, it’s real” bit spotty, that way of framing what is real, in a psychopharmacological context.

Answer 9

Wow, got a full page of notes from an 8 minute video. Thanks for the all the info! I'll incorporate this into my morning checklist.

Comments

Would you mind sharing those notes?

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following!

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and how's it going so far? Just checking in as it's been 2 weeks now :)

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Good luck Mr. Bacon

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It’s 16 mins my dude

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yeah right how is everyone ignoring this

Answer 10

I’m in awe that I’m so lucky to live in a time where I can learn from such a well made video off of something called the internet

Comments

Do you ever think the folks that are so upset with people learning from platforms like this are furious because they paid fortunes for degrees and I a mother can take in all this info while I do the dishes and fold laundry. It threatens their status and intelligence

Answer 11

Far too much to learn from this guy in only one viewing! This degree of knowledge sharing changes lives for the better!

Comments

Lol, I literally re-watched the video immediately after the first playthrough

Answer 12

The story of Teddy breaks my heart to tears. I wonder how many children are out there with no one to know and understand what they are going through if it wasn’t for my mom and Oprah Winfrey, personal story I’ve could’ve ended up stuck in my negative life experiences.
She taught me not to be a victim of my circumstances,to push forward and the importance of education.

Answer 13

Beautifully explained... I m retired now... earlier while going to school made me so active, healthy n happy...
Everything is so relatable..
Thanks a lot

Answer 14

Excellent info with beautiful art thank you both!!!

Comments

Hey I know you

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Hey Kenford!!!

Answer 15

This was an awesome collaboration. I really liked the image depicting an inverse relationship between pain and pleasure. Great presentation After Skool!

Answer 16

As a person from a northern city mentioned in the video, Trondheim, I can confirm that light is essential. In December we usually have about 2-4 quality hours of daylight around noon before the sun is too low (depending on how mamy mountain you have nearby blocking it). The term "winter depression" is often used, and I've felt it multiple winters. Seeing the connection to dopamine was interesting, I've always felt more motivated in spring/summer than autumn/winter, maybe this is why!

Comments

Yeah and those couple hours of daylight in the winter tend to also be weakened by overcast or blizzard in the Bering Strait. It really does get depressing during those dark months, especially when it starts missing with your sleep cycle and you miss out on those short daylight hours because your cycle gets so out of whack

Answer 17

The way Hidden Time Wealth dives into the concept of productivity is mind-blowing. Hidden Time Wealth tips are pure gold, and I wish more people knew about them.

Answer 18

Honestly Andrew Huberman is a god to me. He legit made me more healthier with the sleep routine. I wake up at 5am sharp, my mind is clear, I have more energy, and just couldn't be more greatful for his teachings

Answer 19

One of the life changing channel on YouTube ❤️❤️❤️

Answer 20

Truly amazing content  I started morning routines by myself including short cold shower, walking outside for a couple minutes and exercising & stretching for 10 to 15min; and it turns out that this video just 100% validates it