Health

Benefits of Morning Sun for Your Mental Health

Why You Should Step into the Morning Sun for 10 Minutes Every Day

In a world that moves at lightning speed, it’s easy to overlook the small, simple things that can make a big difference to our well-being. One such powerful yet underrated habit is stepping out into the morning sun. Just 10 minutes of early sunlight can significantly boost your mood, energize your body, and set the tone for a more positive day. Hashtag Magazine explores how this natural ritual can become your daily dose of happiness.

1. Sunlight Stimulates the Release of Serotonin

Sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, triggers the brain to release serotonin, a hormone associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. Serotonin is often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression and anxiety, while higher levels help you feel calm, focused, and emotionally stable.

Just a few minutes under the early morning sky can naturally enhance your mood without needing a cup of coffee or scrolling endlessly on your phone.

2. Sets Your Body Clock Right

Your body has a natural internal clock, or circadian rhythm, that regulates sleep, mood, and energy levels. Morning sunlight acts as a cue to tell your body it’s time to be awake and alert. When you expose your eyes to natural light soon after waking, it helps reset your biological clock, improving your sleep at night and keeping you energized during the day.

Inconsistent or limited exposure to natural light can throw off this rhythm, leaving you feeling groggy, irritable, and tired.

3. Boosts Vitamin D Production

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body produces it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. This vitamin is vital for more than just bone health—it plays a crucial role in immune function and mood regulation.

Low levels of vitamin D are linked to mood disorders like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), especially during the winter months. Morning sunlight, which is gentler and less likely to harm the skin, is an ideal time to soak up just enough rays to meet your vitamin D needs safely.

4. Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Nature has always been a powerful healer, and sunlight is no exception. Being in natural light, especially combined with a little movement like a walk, helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It signals to your body that you’re safe and in a relaxed state.

A daily ritual of spending 10 minutes in the morning sun can become a grounding practice—a small pause before the hustle of the day begins.

5. Enhances Focus and Mental Clarity

Ever wonder why people who exercise or work outside often seem more alert and focused? Natural light exposure in the morning not only helps wake you up but also improves cognitive function. By increasing serotonin and reducing melatonin (the sleep hormone), your brain gets into a more active, ready-to-go mode.

It’s a simple, free productivity hack: step outside for 10 minutes after you wake up, and you might find it easier to concentrate, problem-solve, and stay motivated throughout your day.

6. Encourages Mindfulness and a Positive Start

Incorporating 10 minutes of morning sunlight into your routine also offers a moment of intentional stillness—a chance to pause, breathe, and connect with nature. Whether you enjoy your tea on the balcony, sit quietly in the garden, or take a walk around the block, this small pocket of time can bring clarity and calm.

When you start your day grounded and present, you’re more likely to carry that energy with you into whatever challenges or joys lie ahead.

Tips to Make the Most of Morning Sunlight

Time it right: Aim for between 6:30 am and 9:00 am, depending on the season. Morning sun is gentler on the skin and less intense in terms of UV rays.
Skip the sunscreen for a few minutes: Let your skin absorb direct sunlight for 5–10 minutes before applying sunscreen if you’re staying out longer.
Expose your face and arms: These areas absorb sunlight efficiently and can help with vitamin D production.
Combine it with movement: A short walk, some light stretching, or yoga outdoors can amplify the benefits.
Make it a habit: Consistency is key. Try to make it part of your daily routine—like brushing your teeth or having your first cup of tea.

Conclusion: A Simple Ritual for a Better Day

The morning sun is more than just light—it’s nature’s way of giving you a fresh start. In just 10 minutes, it can lift your mood, reset your body clock, nourish you with vitamin D, and help you feel more connected to the world around you.

So tomorrow morning, instead of diving straight into screens or schedules, step outside, tilt your face toward the rising sun, and let it brighten not just your skin, but your spirit.

April 7, 2025

Benefits of sunlight

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.

Health

Best in-clinic treatments for summer

Dr Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist and Director of Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., shares expert insights on the best in-clinic treatments for summer, the dos and don’ts of exfoliation, and how to safely achieve a radiant glow. What in-clinic skin treatments should people opt for in summer, and which ones should they avoid? Opt for hydrating treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, Fire & Ice facial, and IV therapies for inner hydration. Avoid excessive exfoliation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Do laser and chemical peel treatments have different effects on the skin during summer? Yes, they work differently, Chemical Peels exfoliate the outer skin layer and help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and age spots. They range from light to deep intensity and require some downtime. Laser Treatments use focused light beams to break down pigmented cells and treat hyperpigmentation. Q-switch lasers – Nd YAG is used for pigmentation. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) lasers are for reducing sun damage. Fractional lasers (538 nm to 1064 nm) target deeper pigmentation. Pigmentation may darken initially before fading gradually, and lasers are safe for all skin types. How do you recommend treating pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure? To treat pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily and wear sun-protective clothing to minimize direct exposure. Topical treatments such as retinoids, hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. For more persistent cases, in-clinic procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and Q-switch laser treatments can effectively reduce pigmentation and improve skin clarity. What role does Vitamin C play in skin brightening, and should it be used more in summer? Vitamin C helps prevent heat rash by reducing sweat gland

Health

Exploring Indian Rice Varieties and Their Health Benefits

India is not just a land of spices and festivals but also a rich treasury of rice varieties. From the snow-fed Himalayan valleys to the sun-soaked southern deltas, rice has been a staple grain in Indian households for centuries. What sets India apart is the sheer diversity of rice grown—over 40,000 varieties! Each variety comes with its own taste, texture, aroma, and health benefits. Hashtag magazine delves into some of the most popular Indian rice varieties and understands how they contribute to your well-being. 1. Basmati Rice Region: North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand)Features: Long-grain, aromatic, fluffy when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Biryani, pulao, jeera rice, festive meals 2. Sona Masoori Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, KarnatakaFeatures: Medium-grain, lightweight, less polished than basmati Health Benefits: Best Used For: Daily meals, lemon rice, pongal, plain rice 3. Indrayani Rice Region: MaharashtraFeatures: Aromatic, sticky texture when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Khichdi, dal rice, curd rice 4. Gobindobhog Rice Region: West BengalFeatures: Short-grain, aromatic, sticky Health Benefits: Best Used For: Bengali desserts, khichuri, payesh 5. Matta Rice (Rosematta/Red Parboiled Rice) Region: KeralaFeatures: Red-tinted rice, coarse, earthy flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Kerala meals, kanji (rice porridge) 6. Black Rice (Chak Hao) Region: Manipur and Northeast IndiaFeatures: Dark purple-black color, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pudding, salads, stir-fries, special occasions 7. Brown Rice Region: Grown all over IndiaFeatures: Whole grain, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Health-conscious meals, grain bowls, pilafs 8. Red Rice Region: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil NaduFeatures: Reddish hue from anthocyanins, nutty flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Traditional South Indian meals, power-packed lunches 9. Bamboo Rice Region: Tribal regions of Kerala, Tamil NaduFeatures: Collected from mature bamboo flowers, seasonal and rare Health Benefits: Best Used For: Unique rice dishes, porridge, desserts 10. Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Region: Odisha and West BengalFeatures: Small-grain, mildly aromatic Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pulao, prasad, daily meals Health Tips While Choosing Rice: Conclusion Rice is more than just a