Summer Solstice
The Neuroscience of Midsummer
The summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year, can have several effects on our bodies, primarily due to the extended exposure to sunlight:
Circadian Rhythms:
The increase in daylight can disrupt our circadian rhythms, which are our body’s internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Changes in light exposure can lead to alterations in hormone production, affecting sleep patterns, mood, energy levels, and even weight management.
Mood and Behaviour:
Sunlight exposure is linked to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.
Higher levels of sunlight during the summer solstice can therefore boost serotonin levels, potentially improving mood and energy levels.
Vitamin D Synthesis:
Sunlight is essential for the synthesis of Vitamin D in our skin, which is crucial for bone health and immune function.
The summer solstice can lead to increased Vitamin D production due to longer periods of sunlight exposure.
Sleep Quality:
The longer days can lead to shorter sleep duration and potentially affect the quality of sleep.
It’s important to maintain a dark, cool sleeping environment to counteract the potential sleep disturbances caused by the extended daylight.
Thermal Regulation:
The heat during the summer can affect our body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to increased sweating and potential dehydration.
This can also lead to changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability or a general decline in mood during extremely hot days.
To mitigate some of these effects, it’s advisable to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, use blackout curtains to manage light exposure, stay hydrated, and ensure adequate protection from the sun’s rays during peak hours.
The summer solstice also holds a special place in our collective consciousness, influencing our psychology and behaviour in various ways:
Biological Connection to Sunlight:
Our entire biological system is intricately linked to the rising and setting of the sun.
Circadian rhythms, which regulate our sleep-wake cycle, are profoundly affected by sunlight exposure.
The summer solstice, occurring around June 21st, marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time when there’s abundant sunlight, and our mood and energy levels are biologically boosted. This has a profound connection with our psychology and emotional worlds.
Historical Significance and Sacredness:
Throughout history, the summer solstice has been celebrated as one of the most sacred days of the year.
The increased sunlight each day during this time can uplift our spirits and enhance our overall well-being.
Cultures worldwide have rituals and festivities associated with the solstice, emphasizing its importance in human experience.
Resolutions and New Beginnings:
Midsummer, as the period surrounding the summer solstice, is ideal for new beginnings and fresh starts.
Inspired by the omnipotence of the sun, people make resolutions during this supercharged time.
It’s a moment to kickstart positive habits, strengthen relationships, and let go of negativity.
Unlike New Year’s resolutions, which often fade, lifestyle changes made during the Midsummer of June tend to stick.
Scandinavian Traditions:
In Scandinavia, where the sun never truly sets during the summer, Midsummer celebrations are particularly significant.
These celebrations help combat the effects of severe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) triggered by long, dark winters.
Rituals include lighting bonfires, welcoming visitors with birch trees, and connecting with nature during the extended daylight hours.
Sustainable Happiness:
The rituals of the summer solstice remind us that simple things—like connecting with others, understanding our biology, and appreciating nature—provide sustainable happiness.
Scandinavian countries, known for their solstice celebrations, consistently score high in happiness rankings.
So, as the sun reaches its zenith during the summer solstice, let’s embrace its energy, create positive intentions, and celebrate the timeless traditions that connect us to our natural world. ☀️🌿🌼
To celebrate today I have prepared a worksheet gift for you all which you can find HERE.
The summer solstice is a time for strength and vitality for action and movement.