I have recently been reading about circadian rhythms and how improving them can help with fatigue, wellbeing and physical and mental health issues. With the lighter evenings and earlier sunrises, it feels more manageable to embrace a new morning routine where I wake up with sunrise, get out for some gentle exercise and kickstart my circadian rhythm in order to feel less tired all the time and more in tune with my natural rhythms.

This morning I got up much earlier than usual and in preparation I went to bed earlier last night. It wasn’t as difficult as I had anticipated because it was already starting to get light, although not yet the official sunrise time. I loved being out with the sun slowly rising over the fields where the horses were eating the grass and tiny rabbits were hopping around. It was a lovely feeling and even better to be getting some exercise at the same time.

I was a bit worried that I would feel tired throughout the day, and this might make getting up early tomorrow a bit less enticing, but I have actually felt great. I have felt motivated to get my work done and even some household chores. I did allow myself time to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon, a time where I usually have a bit of an energy slump, but that didn’t happen. I still felt alert and just enjoyed the time doing nothing for half hour.

It was then time to get the kids home from school and fed, clean up and do a bit more work and I am only now, as the evening draws in, starting to feel a little bit tired. But I guess that is my circadian rhythm at work, getting me ready for bed so I can get enough sleep and wake up with the sunrise tomorrow.

I know this will not be for everyone, and we all have a different routine to work to, but even small things in the morning can help. When you get up, look out of the window to get the light on your face and let your body know it is actually time to wake up. Avoid looking at your phone for at least an hour – sunlight before screen light. In this time you can be getting ready for your day before checking in on your digital life.

Sleeping well is a big part of feeling well and sometimes the habits we form can affect our sleep patterns; either negatively or positively. Many clients struggling with their mental health are also struggling with sleeping, so maybe focusing on our circadian rhythm might have a positive impact on our wellbeing.

Listening to our bodies, getting them in tune with nature, is something many of us have forgotten how to do, if it is something we ever did at all. But it is something we can all try and see if it can work for us. I am feeling positive about it but ask me in three if I have made it a habit I can stick to!