Within an hour of waking up, I try to get outside for a walk.
Studies show the morning light and movement is good for your eyes, quality of sleep and mood. If you want to hear more about this you should listen to the 2 part episode with Dr. Andrew Huberman.
This morning walk is a non-negotiable for me.
As soon (and I mean the second) Townes is done eating I pop him in the stroller to go for a walk. After reading a lot about morning light I kept seeing ‘circadian walk’ pop up. It’s so good for his sleep and mine, I’m just all about it. There are so many benefits when you do good things for your circadian rhythm so getting outside within an hour of waking up has been really working for us.
What is Circadian Rhythm?
Circadian rhythm is defined as the natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavior changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle. In addition, circadian rhythms are mostly affected by light and darkness and are controlled by a small area in the middle of the brain. They can also affect sleep, body temperature, hormones, appetite, and other body functions. Abnormal circadian rhythms may be linked to obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and sleep disorders such as insomnia. Circadian rhythm is sometimes called the “body’s clock.” {via}
Lowering my cortisol is always the move for me, so when I’m walking, exercising, having a leisurely lunch, I’m all about Bossa nova and French jazz. In fact, I’ve never been a fan of high intensity music. It’s too manic for me. So when I’m walking I either listen to Mimi Bouchard’s Superhuman app (use this link for 60% off) or Melissa Wood Health’s ALIGN walking meditation (code TSC for one month free). You can listen to Mimi on The HIM & HER Show here and Melissa here, here and here.
As much as I love those apps, sometimes music is just what you need and this is my go-to playlist. I also listen to it when I’m working from home, puttering around the house, organizing or cooking.
Soothing Playlist for Your Circadian Walks:
1. The Girl From Ipanema, Stan Getz
2. Só Danço Samba, Luiz Bonfà
3. California Dreamin’, Diana Krall
4. You Don’t Know Me, Ray Charles and Diana Krall
5. The Beat Goes On, Vince Guaraldi
6. Star Song, Vince Guaradli and Bola Sete
7. Ginza Samba, Vince Guaraldi and Bola Sete
8. Mr. Lucky, Vince Guaraldi
9. Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise, Artie Shaw
10. Dancing In The Dark, Artie Shaw
11. Água de Beber, Astrud Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim
12. Fly Me To The Moon, Astrud Gilberto
13. Moonlight In Vermont, Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto
14. My Foolish Heart, Astrud Gilberto
15. Corcovado, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim
Hope you enjoy this cortisol lowering, relaxing playlist to start your day (but it’s for any time of day).
With the nicer weather here be sure to grab your headphones, sunglasses, driving gloves, hat and SPF.
x, Lauryn
+ Stalk my other playlists too.
++ Learn how to invest in your health.
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