4 reasons why watching the sunset is good for you

We have all seen these memes making light fun of people who take their mobile phones out as soon as they see a beautiful sunset (or sunrise). And plenty of us can relate, especially if you find yourself reading this post! Now, next time someone pokes light fun at you for it, show them these 4 reasons why watching the sunset is, in fact, great for you.

Sunset in Bretagne, captured by my dad

Reason 1: It does make us feel happier

Like, in a scientifically proven kind of way. I will redirect you to this blog article on the subject, which explains quite well how it works!

Let's do a little mind exercise together: remember the last beautiful sunset you have seen, or what in particular that comes to mind as soon as you think of the word 'sunset'?

Now, after reading this sentence, close your eyes and think of it, let yourself be completely in that sunset, feel the warmth and colours, and remember how you felt in that moment.

See, have you smiled or felt positive thoughts? That is the happy power of a sunset.

Reason2: It connects us

Witnessing together a sunset, whether with friends, your partner, family, or even random strangers, is a strong bonding moment. The people around you are all experiencing it at the same time, likely feeling the same mix of emotions as you.

There is a reason why we all stop and watch, why we give a few minutes of our precious time staring at the sky in awe. No matter who we are as people, where we come from, or what we've experienced in our life, we are all standing together captivated by the same thing, and we want to capture it for memory but also to share it with people who matter to us. I find this a beautiful human moment, a perfect example of harmony.

Sunset from Bretagne also captured by my dad

Reason 3: It inspires

"There is nothing more musical than a sunset."

Claude Debussy

Look, a musical master said it himself. From Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" to Turner's "The Scarlet Sunset" or Van Gogh's "Willows at sunset"... There is a high chance that you've already seen and admired those paintings.

Art is emotion and there is no doubt that watching the sunset will tickle your creativity. Now grab your brushes or pencils, and let yourself create the sunset of your dreams.

Reason 4: It ends the day on a positive note

"Don't forget - beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies."

Paulo Coelho

Another quote because why not. I chose that one in particular because it is also a good metaphor for how to find positivity in adverse events. The cloud here is the adverse events but making the sunset all the more beautiful. This 'positive attitude' to adverse events, this ability to make something beautiful out of a not particularly pretty thing, is what a sunset does.

Think of a sunset above an industrial area, it will still look beautiful. I remember another quote that I like: "„You gave me your mud and I have turned it to gold.“, by the French poet Baudelaire. It is what a sunset can do in those situations, and also at the end of a meh day.

Now when you think about your day, what has upset you, or worries you might have, looking at the sunset and thinking about nothing else at that moment will help. It could qualify as mindfulness, being in the moment, captivated by something else than your ever-running thoughts. You will continue your evening relaxed, enjoying all the benefits this instant gave you. Convinced?