Watch the Sunrise
Obviously, you can get up early, go out into the garden and watch the sun come up, and that will be lovely.
But as with all of these Spring-spiration ideas, let’s try to squeeze as much magic and enjoyment out of everything.
You might want to share the experience with someone you love, or you (like I have) find yourself making new friends with other sunrise watchers.
And if you need some encouragement… seeing the first light in the morning gives you maximum Vitamin D (which we take in most readily through our eyes).
It also helps regulate your circadian rhythm – so if you see the early morning light, you’re more likely to get a great night’s sleep in the evening.
Check the Conditions
“Alexa – what time is sunrise?”
At the risk of stating the obvious, you don’t want to miss it, but also it’s worth checking the weather for the week; if you are going to make the effort, make sure it’s not rainy or excessively cloudy.
Ideally you want a clear or just partly cloudy day with low humidity and good visibility.
Plenty of apps and websites show you the exact time and direction of the sunrise for your location.
Choose a good spot
If you are ‘sunrise chasing’ (that’s a thing), popular choices are beaches, mountains, lakes, parks, and rooftops. Find a place with a clear view of the horizon and not too crowded or noisy. You can also scout out the spot beforehand to make sure it’s safe and accessible, especially if you have particular needs to think about.
Dress appropriately
I know you’re a grown-up, and I’m not your mum (unless you are one of my children and are reading this, in which case – I love you). Even if it’s warm during the day, it can usually get a bit chilly before dawn. Wear layers that you can easily add or remove as the temperature changes.
You might also want to bring a blanket, a hat, gloves, or a scarf to keep you nice and cosy.
While I’m mumming – don’t forget to wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sun if it is that time of year.
Snacks
A male friend once said that he liked dating mums as they always had snacks and drinks on them.
Sigh.
But you’ve probably headed out before breakfast, so you’ll want something with you.
Pack some light snacks and drinks that you can enjoy while you wait for the sun to rise.
A flask of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to warm you up goes without saying.
To Phone or Not To Phone
These days it’s probably not practical to go exploring phone-free, and you’ll probably want to take a snap or two of your beautiful sunrise. At the same time, you don’t want to miss a beautiful moment by watching it through a phone. Usually, it’s better to just put down your device and enjoy the moment with your own eyes.
Go could also go all Tarantino and set up a tripod and time-lapse and let it do its thing.
Don’t stress about getting the perfect photo or footage of the sunrise.
As a side note: many people are opting for ‘dumb-phones’ in a bid to escape the hyper-connectivity and be live more in the moment. I’m genuinely considering it.
If that’s you (and good on you, if it is) you might want to bring your camera. Whatever you do or don’t bring – make sure it’s charged the night before.
Including yourself < You’ll need an early night or you won’t want to get up.
Be Mindful
There couldn’t be a better opportunity to be present and mindful.
Watching the sunrise is obviously a visual experience, but it’s also can be emotional and feel symbolic.
New beginnings, fresh startd, hope, gratitude; even if you don’t particularly identify as a spiritual person, sunrise feels loaded with meaning.
It can help you relax, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of nature and life. Aim to be present and mindful of your surroundings and your feelings.
I like to use sunrise to practice gratitude by thinking about three things that I am thankful for in my life (One is always coffee, at that time of day).
Remember that each sunrise is unique and special, so savour every second of it.