Make Friends with the Sun.
El sol es tu amigo.
Every time I write, we speak about modern culture (and how it’s frying us).
Screens on screens, artificial light, cortisol-inducing stressors.
A lot of it is simply unavoidable, and I get that.
I’ve dealt with much of the same, which is why I’ve been inspired to write these weekly little health tips.
Just because a lot of the realities of modern lifestyle fly in the face of proper health doesn’t mean you can’t fight back.
That’s kinda the whole wellness game.
So, amidst the potions and stretches and workouts, you want to know what’s arguably helped me the most?
Our big ol’ friend in the sky.
Don’t Be Sunphobic!
Look, I get it.
Skin cancer, melanoma, things of that nature.
All of it is real and a genuine concern.
I’m not saying bake out there until you’re burnt and you start to affect that awful “Facebook uploads of neon resort bracelets paired with tomato faces” aesthetic.
We don’t want that.
Hydrate, use a daily SPF moisturizer (this is my go-to from Kiehl’s), be smart about it.
Now you’re all set to get into the sun.
What to Do
Go outside, preferably in the morning or midday.
(Obviously this is weather dependent, so take advantage when you can!)
Close your eyes, look at the ground, and then slowly raise you head up so that your eyes are facing the sun- but don’t stare into it like a crazy person.
(Look at the cover image. Do exactly that.)
Spend a couple of minutes here, then start to move.
Stretch the neck on both sides, open the chest if you can, find movement.
If you’ve got privacy (or you’re bold), feel free to bang out some light yoga poses, like a forward fold or some hip openers.
But this feels woo-woo and ridiculous, bro.
That’s great.
Did you know ancient warrior cultures started their day with “sun salute” exercises and movement rituals?
I bet they knew a thing or two.
So yeah, you’re getting into your primal warrior state.
Or you’re being a hippy dippy nature lover.
Honestly both mental approaches (or a combo of the two) can work.
Whatever mentality you need.
Now let’s get down to the $$$ portion:
The Benefits of Daily Sun Exposure
Nature’s Coffee.
Waking up and getting some sun (the best time to do it, IMO) helps you get a jumpstart on your day.
Natural light triggers a cortisol awakening response (cortisol isn’t always bad).
There’s also a dopamine release and an overall “feeling of well being” that can wash over you.
Still have your actual coffee, yes.
But give the sun a little time before you go mainlining cold brew in AM traffic.
You might end up not needing something so strong.
Nervous System Regulation
Ah, the elusive Holy Grail of personal well-being.
Nervous systems can be tricky, and proper functioning here is a major health pillar.
Luckily the sun comes in clutch again.
Natural light exposure helps balance your autonomic nervous system.
Sun exposure is linked to slower breathing and an attachment to regulating your circadian rhythm (natural sleep schedule).
In turn, this helps your body achieve more “biological enlightenment”, for lack of a more scientific term.
Simply put:
A return to nature = a return to calm.
Your nervous system will thank you.
Happy Hormones
A lot of people are walking around very hormonally out of sync.
Mood disorders, irritability, brain fog…all are amplified by suboptimal lifestyle choices.
The vitamin D3 production from sunlight helps this tremendously.
Vitamin D is crucial, as it increases the following:
Immune system function (huge for cold weather populations)
Mood regulation (and melatonin timing for better sleep)
Reduced inflammation overall, and increases calcium uptake in the body for bones and joint health
Testosterone production
Arnold and Franco knew what they were doing.
You Get Aura From the Sky
AKA sharpened mood and presence.
Sunlight is proven to increase serotonin, the brain chemical responsible for mood, calm, and confidence.
Natural light is also 10x-100x brighter than artificial light, which increases brain signaling.
These factors help increase alertness and mental fatigue.
Think less rumination, more “being in the moment”.
Personal power levels + + +
You Want to Get Hot.
Not temperature wise (though that will happen).
We all feel better with a little more color.
Sure, that glowy “olive and optimized” look always has me feeling like I can conquer an entire continent, but even a little increase makes me feel better.
Of course, no two people reading this have the same complexion.
So outside of that, sunlight exposure also increases circulation, and the increase in the aforementioned vitamins and hormones help with body composition and skin/hair health.
They call it sun-kissed for a reason.
Sunlight is also associated with openness and movement, as we spoke about.
Pure vitality coming your way from the big celestial being in the sky.
You’ll look, move, and feel better.
That sort of unspoken signaling of personal wellness is downright attractive.
Get to Glowing
So, wherever you are, give this a shot tomorrow.
If you’re Florida Crew like me, you got no excuse.
(I do get a readership map- most of you are NY/FL based)
Northeast guys n’ girls, it’s gonna be harder, but still.
You can glean these benefits in colder weather as well.
Plus, it’ll be beach season before you know it.
(You can find me there almost all the time)
Be well, catch a glow….feel like yourself again.
Love,
John Abbate
3.31.2026