There are immense wellness benefits of sun gazing. Do I have anybody on my reader list who loves sun staring? If you are one of them, you are going to enjoy this read surely. I bet. The sheer beauty of sunrise and sunset expresses both the calm and serene side of nature.
Sun gazing, also known as sun eating, is a practice that involves staring directly at the sun during specific times of the day, typically during sunrise or sunset.
Sun gazing is a meditative practice where you imbibe the healing abilities of the sun’s rays. Spending time in the sunshine has many physical and mental health benefits.
Some people love the sunrise and sunset so much that they love how the charismatic sky changes its colors.
Today, I’ll share some scientific reasons that explain why you feel the way you do while sun gazing. In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of sun gazing and why it may be worth incorporating into your daily routine.
9 Proven Wellness Benefits of Sun Gazing for You
The sun has been worshipped as a divine figure since time immemorial in many different cultures around the world. It is seen as the giver of all life and energy on our planet. People believe that it restores your energy and rejuvenates your senses. For them, sun gazing is a spiritual awakening.
Benefits of Sun Gazing: Historical & Cultural Significance
The practice of sun gazing dates back to ancient times and holds a significant place in different cultures.
For example, in ancient Egypt, the sun was worshipped as a deity, and sun gazing was believed to bring enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
Similarly, the Inca civilization in South America regarded the sun as a sacred entity and practiced sun gazing as a means of connection with the divine.
Throughout history, sun gazing has been an integral part of various spiritual and religious practices. It is often associated with the belief that the sun possesses immense energy and life-giving properties.
Many ancient civilizations believed that by gazing at the sun, they could absorb its energy and achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
With people becoming more and more health conscious, they are now returning to the old restorative ways to upkeep their wellbeing. Since sun gazing is a more natural and holistic method of staying healthy, most people are now turning to it as a meditative process.
The Science Behind Sun Gazing: How It Affects Your Body and Mind?
While sun gazing has deep historical and cultural roots, there is also scientific evidence to support its benefits.
When you gaze at the sun, your eyes receive a spectrum of light that includes ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are essential for the synthesis of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining bone health, boosting the immune system, and preventing various diseases.
In addition to vitamin D synthesis, sun gazing also stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of well-being. Serotonin is often referred to as the “happy hormone” and is associated with reduced stress, improved sleep, and enhanced cognitive function.
Moreover, sunlight exposure triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that promote a sense of relaxation and euphoria. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Thus, sun gazing has found a place in people’s daily lives. With the right safety and precautions, you can enjoy sun gazing as much as any other meditation.
Now, let’s learn about the 9 benefits of sun gazing on your wellness and wellbeing:
1. Benefits of Sungazing: It slows down the time
We are living a fast-paced life today. The hustle culture is so prominent. We are always in a hurry to do things – meeting our work deadlines or simply having a meal for the day. This gives us a reason to just stop by for a moment and experience the sun gazing.
One of the most prominent benefits of sun gazing is that it slows down time. According to research conducted in 2012, the participants of the research felt a sense of awe while experiencing sun gazing. They defined it as “an emotion that gave them the feeling that they had more time available to them”.
After watching the sunset, they felt that they were less impatient. By taking out time for a sunset every day, ironically, they were able to retain the lost control of their 24 hours of the day and become better at time management.
2. Benefits of Sungazing: It brings emotional prosperity
Appreciating the natural phenomenon and the beauty of sunrise and sunset positively impacts your mental well-being. It uplifts the level of generosity in your mind and makes you feel more satisfied with life.
The secret is to enjoy and feel the process completely without letting anything distract you from the view. People who are connected with nature and their surroundings are, generally, happier than others who aren’t. They develop positive emotions by being in nature.
Soaking up a sublime sunrise in the morning or enjoying a sunset at the end of the day will explicitly raise your emotional well-being, too.
3. Benefits of Sungazing: It helps you to connect with yourself
Beyond its physical and mental health benefits, sun gazing is often regarded as a spiritual practice that allows you to connect with nature and the universe. And studies suggest that direct contact with nature is more effective and helpful to fuel your soul and build a connection with yourself.
The act of gazing at the sun during sunrise or sunset is considered a form of meditation, promoting a sense of peace, harmony, and oneness with the world around us.
Many spiritual traditions believe that the sun is a source of universal energy and wisdom.
By engaging in sun gazing, you can tap into this energy and experience a deeper connection to yourself and the greater cosmos.
4. Benefits of Sungazing: It makes you more concerned about others
Studies have concluded that witnessing a sunrise or sunset makes you more social. They arouse concern for others and develop positive emotions by increasing the feeling of staying connected with their people.
Becoming close to nature puts you in a generous mood and makes you more kind and polite towards the people in your surroundings. Connecting with nature, specifically dusk, produces the feeling of care, protection, and concern. It helps you to maintain your social wellness.
5. Benefits of Sungazing: Colors of the sun ignite excitement
You can watch a sunrise or sunset while doing other physical activities like running or biking. But simply sitting to observe and witness the colors of the changing sky makes you calmer and relaxed.
The orange, red, and yellow of the sky promote stress reduction and welcome feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth in the mind. The psychology of these colors associates them with energy and the improvement of the cognitive functioning of the brain.
Both sunrise and sunset are timeless. They should be celebrated to thank the universe for adding a day more to your existence on the planet. They teach us to be grateful. And, gratitude always helps you become a better individual.
6. Benefits of Sungazing: It improves your energy
One of the most significant benefits of sun gazing is the boost in mood and energy levels. It enhances your cognitive function and improves your focus and concentration.
When you stare directly at the sun, it triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
Additionally, sun gazing also helps in regulating your circadian rhythm, which is responsible for your sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to natural light helps in regulating the body’s internal clock. By syncing your circadian rhythm with the natural process of the sun, you may experience improved sleep quality and overall energy levels.
This can be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
7. Benefits of Sungazing: It increases your Vitamin D Levels
The sun is the primary source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and mental health. As you stay indoors and build a lifestyle devoid of regular sun exposure, it leads to a deficiency of Vitamin D, which can cause many health problems.
Sun gazing is an excellent way to boost your vitamin D levels naturally, without the need for supplements. However, it’s crucial to practice sun gazing safely and limit your exposure to the sun to avoid skin damage and other health complications.
8. Benefits of Sungazing: It improves your vision
Another benefit of sun gazing is improved vision. The sun emits various colors of light, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Each color has a different wavelength and can impact your eyes differently.
By staring at the sun during sunrise or sunset, you expose your eyes to a range of colors that can help improve your vision and color perception. However, it’s essential to practice sun gazing safely and avoid staring at the sun directly, especially during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
9. Benefits of Sungazing: It reduces stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common concerns in today’s fast-paced world, and many people struggle to manage their symptoms effectively. Sun gazing is an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and calming the mind.
The warm rays of the sun have a calming effect on the mind and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The practice of sun gazing is similar to meditation in that it requires you to focus your attention on something specific and let go of distracting thoughts. By incorporating sun gazing into your daily routine, you may experience reduced stress levels and improved mental health.
Precautions and Safety Tips for Sun Gazing
While there are these benefits of sun gazing, it is crucial to take precautions to protect your eyes and overall well-being.
Directly staring at the sun can cause severe eye damage, including retinal burns and vision loss. Therefore, it is recommended to practice sun gazing during safe hours, such as early morning or late evening, when the sun is less intense.
Also, start with short durations of sun gazing, gradually increasing the time as your eyes adjust to the light.
Using proper eye protection, such as specially designed solar filters or sunglasses with UV protection, can further minimize the risk of eye damage.
Additionally, it is essential to maintain a balanced approach to sun gazing and not rely solely on it for all your health needs. Incorporating other healthy lifestyle practices, such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, is key to overall well-being.
How to Incorporate Sun Gazing into Your Daily Routine?
Incorporating sun gazing into your daily routine is a simple and effective way to reap its benefits.
Begin by identifying safe times of the day for sun gazing, such as sunrise or sunset. Find a comfortable spot outdoors, preferably in a natural setting like a balcony or your garden, where you can have an unobstructed view of the sun.
Start by gazing at the sun for a few seconds, gradually increasing the duration each day. Focus on the warmth and light of the sun, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment. Combine sun gazing with deep breathing exercises or meditation to enhance the overall experience.
Remember to listen to your body and adjust sun gazing based on your comfort level. Be patient with the process and respect your own limits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sun gazing is a practice that has gained popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits. The sun was called the ‘child of goodness’ by Socrates. He compared the good with the Sun. So, if you are a Sunrise or a Sunset lover, a sungazer, I hope you will find time in your daily life to enjoy these benefits of sun gazing.
From improved mood and energy levels to increased vitamin D levels and improved vision, there are several compelling reasons to incorporate sun gazing into your daily routine.
Associating yourself with natural beauty has been proven to be more rewarding in terms of mental wellness as compared to artistic or moral beauty. Nature is the ultimate source of positivity, and appreciating it will soothe your mind too.
Sunrises and sunsets have always managed to find a place in the words and hearts of poets, writers, and romantics. They nurture your mindset and improve your perspective on life. They are a gift given to us by nature. We must embrace and inculcate them in our lives.
“Never waste any amount of time doing anything important when there is a sunset outside that you should be sitting under!”― C. JoyBell C.
Taking out some time from your busy schedule to patiently gaze at the sun is more helpful towards giving you a spiritual outlook on life and accepting the situations for your benefit. Slowing down a bit on the way to absorb and reflect upon their beauty is extremely rewarding.
However, it’s essential to practice sun gazing safely and limit your exposure to the sun to avoid skin damage and other health complications. If you’re interested in trying sun gazing, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe for you to do so.
Until next time,
See you soon!
