When I started paying closer attention to my light environment, I never imagined how much it would change me... not just as a person, but as a business owner and a coach. Light might sound simple, but for me, it has been a game changer in how I feel, think, and show up for my work and the people I serve.
Getting in the early morning sun has become one of my non-negotiables. Being out at sunrise (even if I don't actually see the sun) is a routine I've maintained for over 5 years. That first light signals my brain to release dopamine which is a neurotransmitter that supports motivation, focus, and learning. For me, this translates into being more organized, creative, and energized when I sit down to work on AZ Naturally or meet with a coaching client. It feels like my brain actually has the fuel it needs to function at its best.
When I get that morning light—it sets the stage for the release of melatonin later at night. Before I understood this, I thought of melatonin as just a sleep supplement. But now I know it’s made in the morning, in the mitochondria, through light signaling. Since getting out at sunrise every morning to set my circadian rhythm, my sleep has been deeper and more restorative. And better sleep? It means I wake up with more clarity, patience, and steady energy.
I truly believe that without making these changes, I wouldn’t be where I am today. AZ Naturally has grown because I have the mental clarity, energy, and focus to bring my ideas to life. As a Circadian Lifestyle Coach, I can guide others not just from a place of knowledge, but from a lived experience.
If you’re having issues with focus, sleep, or energy, just start with small steps. Going outside for just a few minutes of morning light, dimming the lights in the evening and getting into nature will dramatically shift how you feel.
Light has become one of my greatest teachers. It’s free, it’s natural, and it’s available to us all.
