Listen up early birds—morning dates are officially a thing, and watching the sun rise with someone can help romance blossom. You might want to wait until spring or summer time for this approach to dating though, as hanging around in the cold and dark as you wait for the sun to rise in winter won’t be much fun. When it’s the right season you can’t go wrong. Here are some inspiring dates that involve a sunrise moment, but first let’s take a look at why a sunrise date is such a great idea.
Watch the sunrise and feel happier
Research has shown that waking up early can improve mental health by reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that early risers had a lower risk of depression compared to night owls. A date that comes with some extra endorphins can only ever be a good thing, right? You could even use this research when you send the first message suggesting a sunrise date as justification for your slightly unusual idea.
A sunrise date could increase your productivity
It’s official! Waking up early can help you get more done throughout the day. Not just because you’ll have more time to play with, but because you’ll have more energy to complete everything on your to-do list. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that early risers were more proactive and productive than those who slept in. So if you’re someone who enjoys the sense of satisfaction of getting lots done in a day, then a sunrise date is for you. It’s extremely efficient and means you can maybe even tick ‘find a match’ off your list before breakfast. Nice!
Watching the sunrise with a date can help you sleep and eat better
Waking up early can also improve sleep quality, according to a study published in the journal Sleep which found that early risers had better sleep quality and felt more alert during the day.
Research has also shown that people who wake up early tend to have healthier eating habits than night owls. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that early risers consumed more fruits and vegetables and had a lower risk of obesity. We are all for healthy choices in life and in love so if sunrise dating can improve well-being, we’re setting our alarms!
Now you're sold on why sunrise dates are great—here are some ideas for where to go and what to do
Sunrise rike ride
Rent some bikes and go for a sunrise ride together. You can explore your city or town in a whole new light as the sun rises, and enjoy the fresh air and exercise. It’s the perfect time as it won’t be too busy on the roads and you can enjoy that smug feeling together of being the first to experience the day. You’ll probably want to end the date at a coffee shop, so plan a route and identify a cute cafe in advance.
Sunrise kayaking
If your location allows (lucky you!) take a peaceful kayak ride on a lake or river while watching the sunrise. It's a great way to connect with nature and each other. We’d suggest renting two separate kayaks rather than a double as it’s easier to chat to each other than when you’re sharing and one of you has to stare at the other’s back. Remember to pack some breakfast—rowing is hard work.
Sunrise beach yoga
OK, if you’re reading this in a big city, miles from the coast—you can dream! But if you are lucky enough to live near the sea, find a yoga class that takes place on the beach at sunrise. Not only will you get a great workout, but you'll also get to watch the sun rise over the ocean. What a beautiful way to start the day and get to know a date. Finish with a healthy smoothie from a nearby cafe.
Sunrise photography
If you and your date enjoy taking pictures and populating your social media with great images, go on a sunrise photo shoot together. You can capture the beautiful colors of the sunrise, have fun posing together, and create some amazing memories. You’ll hopefully be able to look back on these when you’ve been dating for months to remember the origin of your romance.
Sunrise picnic in the park
Pack a breakfast picnic—you can’t go wrong with pastries and bagels (unless one of you is gluten-free of course, but there are alternatives!) and head to a local park to watch the sunrise. You can relax on a blanket and enjoy some quiet time together before the busyness of the day begins. Don’t forget a flask of extra strong coffee.
Sunrise horseback riding
Take a guided horseback ride through the countryside as the sky begins to brighten. You’ll feel like you’re in some kind of romantic novel or fragrance advert as you gallop towards the rising sun. This is such a cute date idea, you’ll score some serious points for originality. Maybe check if your date likes horses first, though!
Sunrise exercise
Head out for a run, a game of tennis, or basketball before work. It’s a great way to have fun together and break the ice. And you’ll get all those endorphins pumping, setting you up for a great rest of the day. Just remember to take a time out to enjoy the sunrise.
And finally... a few things to remember if you're on a date whilst watching a sunrise
What to bring on a sunrise date is a no brainer: warm clothes, breakfast and gallons of coffee! This date idea is super romantic and might involve a bit of pre-planning, but it can beso worth it. You’ll impress your partner with your energy and lust for life and if the date goes well (which we think it will—think positively!) you have the rest of the day to enjoy together. Or, if it’s a weekday you could walk them to their office or back home and plan to meet at the end of the day too. Catching a sunrise and a sunset with a date on the same day is a magical way to start a new romance.