Benefits of Daylight

With the clocks “springing forward” by one hour to British Summer Time on March 29th, we all benefit with extended daylight hours. But why is this practice put in place?

More daylight can help improve mental health: extended daylight hours bring more time in the evenings for outdoor activities, exercise, and socialising after work; it also provides more opportunity for exposure to sunlight which may help reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight during winter months.

Daylight improves health, mood, alertness, productivity, and sleep by regulating circadian rhythms (the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone levels, and energy patterns throughout the day) and providing natural visual and psychological stimulation. Morning light in particular signals the brain to increase alertness and helps synchronise the body clock, which enhances daytime performance and supports better sleep at night.

Sunlight through trees

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Daylight has a profound effect on mood and mental health – well-lit environments are associated with improved morale, reduced fatigue, and lower stress levels. Bright, naturally lit spaces are usually perceived as more pleasant and uplifting compared to dim or artificial lighting, and this can enhance overall feelings of satisfaction and emotional wellbeing.

Daylight also supports cognitive functions such as memory, alertness, and decision-making, making it beneficial for both work and educational settings, which can also boost productivity and learning.

As well as these mental and emotional benefits, extended daylight brings potential energy and financial savings, with reduced costs of artificial lighting in the evenings, and other benefits such as increased consumer spending in retail, hospitality and tourism sectors and even reduces crime rates – especially theft and vandalism. In healthcare settings, increased natural light has been linked to faster patient recovery and improved overall wellbeing.

So how can you make the most of your additional daylight hours? Here are some ideas:

  • Sign up for a boot camp: Utilise the lighter morning hours to get up early and start your day energised.
  • Go for a hike: Take advantage of the longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or walking – explore your local neighbourhood or go further afield.
  • Reset your body clock: Use the extra daylight hours to reset your body clock by going to bed earlier and waking up later.
  • Go outside during your lunch break: Spend some time outdoors during your lunch break to enjoy the sunshine – daylight boosts performance!
  • Create a cosy evening nook if you have an outdoor space, with solar-powered lights so you can linger outside after sunset. Great for reading outside and practicing evening meditation too!
  • Start a small container garden—herbs, flowers and vegetables all thrive with more daylight – gardening is great for mental health, and nothing tastes better than something you’ve grown!
  • Try outdoor dining – upgrade your everyday meals to alfresco dining experiences!
  • Attend local community events that pop up during British Summer Time. Evening markets, outdoor movies and concerts are often available in Summer.
  • Practice photography – The famed ‘golden hour’ provides perfect natural lighting for your photos. It’s a wonderful excuse to dabble in photography, capturing your loved ones or some special landscapes bathed in sunset.
  • Go cycling.
  • Take up birdwatching.
  • Take up an evening class, join a new club or play team sports.
  • Organise an outdoor move night of your own.

So, now we’ve adjusted our clocks, try to remember that with Daylight Saving Time you aren’t losing an hour of sleep – you’re gaining an hour of life! What you choose to do with that time is up to you – but make the most of the benefits that daylight brings!