5 Reasons Why Sunsets Are Good For Your Health

Did you know that watching sunset is actually beneficial for your mental AND physical health? Nope, I’m not pulling your arm! There are multiple studies and research that all support incorporating sunsets into your daily life. Me llamo Kristen – that’s Español for ‘my name is Kristen.’ ? and I’m so excited to be taking over Kait’s blog today to share 5 reasons why sunsets are good for your health. Not too many moons ago I retired from the hustle and bustle of the NYC corporate banking world, trading in my heels for a surfboard and camera in Costa Rica. As a photographer in Costa Rica, I’m lucky enough to watch and photograph Costa Rica’s magical sunsets every night. And after first hand experience chasing sunsets in Costa Rica for almost six years, I totally agree with the research that supports watching sunsets is good for your health!

5 Reasons Why Sunsets Are Good For Your Health

“Pretty in Pink”

1. Watching sunset helps you appreciate life.
“According to research by psychological scientists of Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Minnesota Carlson School of Management, the studies found that jaw-dropping moments [like breathtaking sunsets] made participants feel like they had more time available and helped them more patient, less materialistic, and more willing to volunteer time to help others.” (Source)

“Rainbow Sherbet”

2. Watching sunset helps you feel more energized.
“Nature is fuel for the soul. Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature.” – Richard Ryan, Ph.D (Source)

“Let’s Go Somewhere the Sun Kisses the Ocean”

3. Watching the sun pass over the horizon (sungazing) helps you feel better.
Research shows sungazing stimulates the pineal gland as the direct sunlight hits the eye, moves through retinal-hypothalamic tract, and then hits the brain. This stimulates the pineal gland, also known as the “master gland”. This boosts the secretion of melatonin and serotonin, our “feel-good” hormones. (Source)

“The Girl and The Water”

4. Watching sunset helps slow down your perception of time.
By witnessing the beauty and awe of the sunset, you can slow down your perception of time. According to research, participants who felt awe — defined as “the emotion that arises when one encounters something so strikingly vast that it provokes a need to update one’s mental schemas.” (Source)

“Where the Sky Meets the Sea”

5. Watching sunset helps you feel more satisfied with life.
“One study found that greater engagement with beauty was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, gratitude and a spiritual outlook. The association was strongest for engagement with natural beauty. There’s a natural tendency to stop and stare at a breathtaking sunset. When you do so, you’re likely to be caught up in the moment, and your mind gets a break from fretting over the past or worrying about the future.” (Source)

“The Backyard”

So feel free to show your boss this research as your hall pass to take a quick break from work to watch sunset! OK, maybe your boss wouldn’t be too thrilled with this idea, BUT just because you can’t watch sunset as often as you like, how about the next best thing – – a FREE breathtaking sunset image!

“It’s Raining Sunshine”

I’ve teamed up with Kait to give not just one of you, but EVERYONE of you, a free 5×7 of my print “It’s Raining Sunshine”!  Printed on fine art, smooth cotton paper and perfect for framing, sturdy enough for an image stand, or even hang it with a clip! All you have to pay is $5 shipping. That’s it! I feel like Oprah…you get a free sunset and you get a free sunset and you get a free sunset!

Click here to grab your free sunset print! – But hurry on up and grab your free sunset print, because this offer ends June 18th!

“All You Need is Love Surf and Sunsets”

And just a little bit more about me…When I am not dreaming under a palm tree, most days you can find me surfing beautiful Costa Rican waves, photographing a breathtaking sunset, or playing on the beach with my Chihuahua, Gidget. I’m a natural light lifestyle photographer, sunset chaser, and a soul surfer. You can check out my brand + editorial work here, wedding and family photography work here, and bring a piece of paradise home with you via my sunset and beach prints at The Sunset Shop.