The Light Within: Supporting Your Body Through Circadian Rhythms & Daylight

In our latest Mother Oak Circle, we had the joy of learning from Dr. Michelle Crouse, who guided us through the science and sacredness of circadian rhythms—the natural cycles of light and dark that shape our sleep, energy, mood, and metabolism.

This knowledge isn’t just scientific—it’s ancestral.

Our bodies have always been in conversation with the sun.

Below is a gentle integration of what we explored together, along with simple practices and supportive resources to bring this rhythm into your daily life.

What Are Circadian Rhythms?

Circadian rhythms are your body’s 24-hour internal clock, deeply linked to light exposure, especially natural daylight. They regulate everything from:

• Sleep-wake cycles

• Hormone production (like cortisol and melatonin)

• Digestion and metabolism

• Mood and mental clarity

• Body temperature and immune function

When we align with natural light cues, our bodies perform with greater ease and balance. When we drift too far (hello, screens and artificial lighting), we can experience fatigue, anxiety, sleep disruption, and hormonal imbalances.

Gentle Ways to Support Your Circadian Health

These small shifts make a big difference over time—especially for mothers, caregivers, and those holding a lot.

1. Morning Light = Nervous System Reset

Spend at least 5–10 minutes outside or by a window within 1 hour of waking.

Natural daylight (even on cloudy days) signals to your body: It’s morning. It’s time to rise. This helps regulate cortisol naturally—a graceful lift, not a crash.

Bonus: Pair this with herbal tea, a short walk, or your journal.

2. Honor the Sunset

As the day winds down, shift your home lighting to warmer, dimmer tones.

• Use lamps instead of overhead lights

• Avoid bright screens an hour before bed

• Consider amber glasses or "Night Shift" mode on devices

This supports melatonin production, preparing your body for deeper rest.

Even 15–30 minutes of screen-free quiet before sleep is sacred.

3. Anchor Your Day with Light-Based Rituals

Our bodies love rhythm. Create daily anchors—like sunlight + movement in the morning, and soft lighting + tea at night. Over time, these rhythms become a safety signal for your nervous system.

Try:

• Opening curtains as a morning ritual

• Sunset walks

• Evening candle lighting or bath time as a family wind-down

  
  

Resources Dr. Michelle Recommends

Here are some accessible tools if you want to learn or explore further:

• Book: "The Circadian Code" by Dr. Satchin Panda

• Podcast: The Huberman Lab – episodes on light + circadian health

• Podcast: Quantum Conversations - episodes on circadian health

• Resource: Carrie B. Wellness - Especially the seasonal Reset Challenges

• App: MyCircadianApp - Easily track the ideal times for sun exposure based on your location.

• Tool: Amber blue blocking glasses aka: Sunset Glasses for filtering artificial light after dark.

Final Thought:

Your body is wise.

It remembers the sun.

It longs for rhythm.

Supporting your circadian health is not about adding pressure—it’s about coming home to the light you were made to dance with.

As always, choose one small shift at a time. Let your rhythms be yours.