Circadian Clock - Source: Wikipedia
We are all a part of nature, not separate from it. We are cyclical, just like nature. People wonder why they get headaches, feel depressed and can’t sleep. It is because they are not in tune with their natural cycle and the cycle of life (nature) itself.
A great deal of research has been done on biological cycles referred to as circadian rhythms. A circadian rhythm is any biological process that displays a built-in, self-sustained oscillation of about 24 hours. These rhythms are driven by a circadian clock, and have been observed in all living things.
A circadian clock consists of distinct phases that regulate evident rhythms in biochemistry, physiology, and behavior throughout an organism. Although circadian rhythms are “built-in”, they are adjusted to the local environment by external cues one of the most important being daylight.
As human beings, we do so many things that seem to defy nature, even simple small things that most people do not give a second thought. Take for example, alarm clocks. When I teach my workshops on natural stress relief, I point out how waking up to an alarm is not natural and puts our body in stress mode. Our bodies are designed to wake upon daylight and sleep at night, otherwise we would be able to see in the dark.
I realize that most people rely on their alarm clock to wake them so they can get to work or get their children off to school on time. This is how the majority of our society operates right now. However, there are small steps you can take to ease yourself into a more natural rhythm which will help reduce stress.
- Consider going to bed an hour earlier than you do now.
- Make it a point to get to bed at/near the same time every night.
- If you consider that we are built to sleep when it is dark, and wake when it is light, that is 12 hours of rest! Try to get at least 7-8 hours to allow your body time to restore itself.
So many people are not seeing or listening to what nature is telling/teaching us. One of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein is “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” I hope 2013 brings you closer to the rhythms of nature. Happy New Year!
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