How The Sun Impacts Your Mental Health
Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current PhD Student learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.
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Malachi 4:2 “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”
Mental Health Insight
Most people do not consider the significant importance of something as simple as sunlight. In psychology, we understand how our physical environment impacts our emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. There are many things we use to naturally regulate our nervous system, and sunlight is a majorly overlooked factor. When we step outside in the mornings, our eyes absorb the natural sunlight sending important signals to the hypothalamus part of the brain. THis part of the brain is known as the Endocrine System Regulation, which is responsible for regulating our body’s essential hormones. When our eyes absorb the natural sunlight, it triggers the brain to release serotonin, helping one feel more calm and regulated.
Sunlight also helps regulate one’s “circadian rhythm”, also known as our internal clock. By going outside it helps regulate our nervous system letting the brain know what hormones to release at different times of the day. When we are stressed and even depressed our natural instinct is to isolate ourselves and hide inside. However, going outside to soak up some natural sunlight either for a quick walk or just observing nature can help reground and regulate your nervous system, helping it get the boost it needs to get back in “rhythm”.
Faith Connection
When God brings healing into our lives, oftentimes it is like the morning sun. You may not notice its effects at first, but as time goes on you start to notice the shift. Today’s verse paints a beautiful image on how God brings restoration to our lives. We will often pray for quick answers but the healing that God brings is like the morning rays. It is slow, steady, and consistent. But the same as the sunrise we don’t have to wonder if healing will come. We simply just have to wait for the sun to rise, just as we must wait for God’s healing. So as we wait for the sun to rise, we can find peace in knowing God’s promises will also be fulfilled.
Reflection Question
When you feel stuck in a dark season how can you remind yourself to be patient and look for the slow steady healing of a sunrise instead of a quick fix?
Prayer
Dear God, I confess that when life gets dark, I want You to fix everything instantly. I get impatient with the slow process of healing. Thank You for the promise that Your righteousness and comfort rise like the sun. Please help me to trust Your timing. Give me the courage to open the blinds, step into the light, and accept the slow, warm, and steady healing You are bringing into my life today. Amen.
Book Recommendations
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Closing Thoughts You have completed Day 122 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. I am praying for healing for each and everyone of you. I hope that today’s devotional was a reminder that God’s healing will always come just as the sun rises each day!
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Think Like Christ Mental Health
Disclaimer
Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately
I can start opening up the blinds and my heart to understand I do not work on my time but His. His perfect plan will always prevail. Even in death, sorrow and pain. I have to trust His holy plans.
I learned from a doctor that God created man to work outside. That means that our bodies would be absorbing sunlight and turning it into Vitamin D, and important vitamin for our mental well-being.
Overtime, our lives and work have shifted to working inside and not absorbing enough Vitamin D. I learned that most people, especially with Depression, are Vitamin D deficient. (Always get this checked with lab work through your doctor.) I had my levels checked and sure enough, I was low. Starting a Vitamin D supplement helped, but intentionally getting outside and enjoying God’s creation was a game changer!