With the UK enjoying its first glimpse of Spring with sunny weather all week, most Brits are itching for the chance to get outside – and we now have the perfect excuse: it’s doctor’s orders.
An NHS surgeon and TikToker has revealed the important correlation between sunlight and your body – advising that getting your hit of the great outdoors is the most important thing you can do every morning.
Dr Karan Rajan, a surgeon and lecturer at the University of Sunderland, shares his experience and knowledge with his 4.7 million followers on TikTok.
In a recent clip, he informs his viewers about the one thing you should do every morning without fail.
He begins by asking: “When you wake up in the morning, do you wake up your body clock as well?”
Dr Karan goes on to explain that the best way to regulate your circadian clocks – energy, focus, physical and mental health – is to receive as much sunlight as possible.
As the UK is currently enjoying beer garden weather, this shouldn’t be an issue – but to see a noticeable result, you should ideally get outside as soon as you wake up.
However, a sunny day isn’t necessary for this to work, as going on an early morning walk or even just looking outside your window during overcast weather can still do wonders for the body.
Dr Karan further explains that going a few days without ample sunlight exposure can cause some major biological disruptions to several body systems.
Adrenaline, cortisone and serotonin production will be affected, as well as vitamin D synthesis and regular sleep/wake cycles, which cause physical and mental health consequences.
In the clip, Dr Karan adds: “Remember, even through cloud cover, sunlight still works for you.
“Unless you live underground or in a cave, you should be doing this – get some sunlight first thing in the morning.”
The popular post was viewed 49,900 times and has racked up over 7,600 likes.
“Cries in night shift,” one viewer commented, followed by a crying emoji.
Another person added: “This is what is great about having a dog. Always has to go outside in the morning.”
“This is why I have a daylight lamp,” someone else said.
One person wrote: “I’m always tired no matter how well I sleep.”
“Sun light is so underrated,” another viewer commented.
One person said: “I can get sunburned just letting the dogs out.”
“What happens if u dont get exposed to sunlight for a year?” someone else wrote. [sic]
Another viewer added: “I wake up well before sunlight my guy,” to which Dr Karan responded: “Still get sunlight in that morning period!”
