For years, my exercise routine began before sunrise. After sending my daughters off in the school van at 6:20 a.m., I would jog through the quiet paths in my condo grounds or head to the nearby park. Sometimes, I would swim. Those pre-dawn moments, when the skies were still dark and the world was hushed, became my sacred time. It was in that stillness that ideas for my writing jobs flowed freely, and solutions to my endless challenges as a work-from-home mother of three – while living with a mil – revealed themselves.
Then came the pandemic, and like many others, I abandoned that beloved routine. But recently, I’ve found a new rhythm: exercising at night, after the house chores are done and the day’s responsibilities have been met. At around 8 p.m and sometimes even later., I step outside for a brisk walk or jog. Sometimes I head to the nearby supermarket – a 10-minute walk there and 10-minute walk back – before climbing the five flights of stairs to my unit.
Many people cringe at the thought of exercising in the dark, associating nighttime with danger or discomfort. But for me, the dark has always carried peace. Long before I had children, I would rise at 5 a.m. to jog before work. Later, even when I had little ones, my live-in helpers allowed me the freedom to continue that routine. To me, exercising in the dark – whether before dawn or after dusk – feels natural, grounding, and deeply therapeutic.
This practice can be seen as a form of ecotherapy – also known as nature therapy – which emphasizes the healing power of spending time in natural environments. While most people associate ecotherapy with sunny days and lush greenery, the night offers its own unique kind of healing.
The Benefits of Nighttime Exercise and Dark Nature Activities
1. A Calmer Mind
The world slows down after dark. With fewer cars, fewer people, and less visual noise, the mind naturally settles. Walking or jogging at night creates a pocket of calm in the chaos of the day, reducing stress and quieting anxious thoughts.
2. Space for Soul Searching
There’s something about the darkness that invites reflection. Without the distractions of daylight, it’s easier to turn inward. Night walks give us the chance to process emotions, untangle problems, and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level.
3. A Different Kind of Nature Connection
The night reveals a side of nature that often goes unnoticed. The cool air, the sound of crickets, the rustle of leaves, or even the glow of the moon and stars – these subtle details create a sensory experience that nourishes the soul in ways the busy daylight hours cannot.
4. Stress Release Through Movement
Physical activity is well-known for releasing endorphins, which lift the mood and ease tension. Exercising at night adds another layer of release – it becomes a ritual of shedding the stress of the day before winding down for rest.
5. A Sense of Solitude and Freedom
Unlike crowded gyms or busy jogging tracks during the day, night walks are often solitary. This solitude fosters independence and freedom, giving you space to move, breathe, and just be without feeling observed.
Embracing the Dark as a Form of Therapy
Dark nature activities may not be for everyone, but for those of us who feel at ease in the still of the night, they can be incredibly healing. The darkness becomes a safe cocoon, wrapping us in silence and simplicity. It’s a time to reset, to let go of the noise of the day, and to reconnect with our inner selves.
For me, whether it’s walking briskly to the supermarket, jogging under the night sky, or climbing the stairs back home, these moments in the dark are a form of therapy. They remind me that healing and peace don’t always come in the light – sometimes, the darkness holds the answers we seek. Even Cass, my youngest daughter, shares the same sentiments, and she’s another avid night exerciser.
My neighborhood and condo grounds have guards on patrol 24/7, so I feel safe to exercise outdoors in the dark.
Caveat: Only exercise in the dark outside your house if the environment is safe.
