Spring is here and with it a myriad of pleasures, the days are getting longer, the air feels fresher, and suddenly, there seems to be much more time to get outside. But what is the best time to squeeze in a little adventure - dawn or dusk? Both have their charms, and it all depends on what kind of outdoor explorer you are. So, whether you’re a sunrise seeker or a sunset chaser, let’s weigh up the options.
Dawn: The Early Birds
Getting out first thing in the morning brings an element of magic. The air is fresh, everything seems still and quiet and the light is soft. If you are lucky enough to see the sun, those early morning endeavours are incredibly rewarding. Also, there’s something deeply satisfying about having already been for a walk, cycle, or swim before most people have even had their first coffee. Here are some of the benefits!
Peace and quiet – Fewer people, less traffic, and nature at its most undisturbed. There is something wonderful about finding outdoor spaces where you are alone, and morning walks or cycles are much more peaceful.
The freshest air – Cool, dewy, and invigorating, perfect for an energising start to the day.
You feel like a superhero – Getting outdoors early gives you that ‘I’ve already achieved something today’ feeling.
Morning workouts boost mood and metabolism – Exercising in the morning can increase endorphins and kickstart your metabolism for the day ahead. Morning light exposure has been linked to better sleep patterns and improved focus. Research also suggests that it may help you metabolise fat and lower the risk of heart attack or developing cancer.
However, there are downsides to getting out first things.
The struggle is real – Getting out of a warm bed when it’s still a bit chilly outside? Tough, and the snooze button becomes your best friend.
Requires prep – Laying out your gear the night before helps, but it’s still an early alarm!
Still limited light – Most of us still have to get to our desks or our daily routines at some point and in March the sun isn’t fully risen until nearer 7am, so our morning outings still need to be fairly micro so we can prepare for the day ahead.
Additional risk of injury - Research has shown that your body temperature is lowest before you wake up. This can cause decreased blood flow and energy, which can make your muscles stiff and increase your injury risk. Doing a proper warm up is extra important first thing.
Dusk: The Golden-Hour
On the other hand, heading out at the end of the day has its own kind of magic. The evening light turns everything golden, the pace feels more relaxed, and it’s a perfect way to unwind after a busy day. Here's what we find wonderful about those evenings outdoors.
That golden glow – We are no longer restricted to grabbing a bit of sun at lunchtime, we can now enjoy it in the evenings for a bit longer and doesn’t everything look more beautiful in soft evening sunshine?
No rush – Unlike the morning, there’s no clock-watching to get back in time for work or the daily routine.
The perfect social time – Unless you have a group of like-minded friends who will happily meet you at 7am for a walk, evenings offer more opportunity for a group cycles or evening strolls.
Evening workouts can enhance performance – As the day progresses, body temperatures rise, meaning muscles and joints are more warmed up and flexible, reducing the risk of injury. Studies have shown that strength, endurance, and reaction times tend to peak in the early evening, making it a great time for high-intensity activities. It is also a great way to relieve the stress of the day - rid yourself of any pent up tension.
As with mornings, there are challenges to getting outdoors in the evening.
Darkness creeps in – The later you go, the more you risk misjudging daylight - it does still dissipate quickly (hello headtorch).
The day can get in the way – Sometimes you just can’t anticipate how you are going to feel at the end of the day. Your mood may change, your motivation wane, energy dips, and before you know it, the comfort of your sofa is just too hard to resist.
Midges – Need we say more? They appear to have started quite early this year, appearing in their orbs of mischief during milder days. They do tend to enjoy the evenings more, as it is milder so definitely an argument for a morning adventure.
Looking Ahead: Summer is coming
We are just at the start of Spring and already we are noticing the longer days which provide us with even more opportunities to get outside as we head towards summer. Soon, dawn adventures will come with the reward of warmer, earlier mornings, and dusk outings will stretch out even later into the night. Whether you stick to your favourite routine or mix it up with the changing season, now is the perfect time to establish a habit of getting outdoors.
Ultimately, we are all different. Whether you're more of a lark or a night owl, understanding your natural energy rhythms can help you choose the best time to head outdoors and get the most out of your adventure. The best time for an adventure is simply the best time that works for you!
Are you Team Dawn or Team Dusk? Let us know!
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
Chasing the Sun - Linda Geddes
Whether you love mornings or evenings, natural light and dark is vital to our well-being! Linda Geddes explores the science behind this to help us to understand and respect our circadian rhythms.
Favourite Quote
Favourite Song
A beautiful song resisting the changing seasons of life and love!
