How Does Light Affect Your Well-Being?

Most people don’t think much about light and how it affects their mood, but it is no coincidence that sunny weather seems to put people in a good mood. Multiple studies have shown that people who spend most of their time in artificial lighting systems and don’t get exposed to brighter sunlight as much, experience issues such as anxiety and depression.  As a point of reference, being outside on a sunny day may be as much as 100 times brighter than indoors.

If you are wondering how light affects your emotions, read on to find out scientifically proven ways in which light can have an impact on your wellbeing.

Light Therapy Can Enhance Your Energy Levels

Scientists have found that exposure to blue-to-green light can boost your energy levels, making you feel more productive and alert. If you find yourself lethargic, sleepy, or drowsy throughout the day, it is possible that your body is not getting sufficient sunlight.

Even a 30-minute-long exposure to high-energy blue-to-green light can increase your ability to perform cognitive tasks more efficiently and quickly. But make sure you only use light therapy during the day; using it at night may rob you of quality sleep.

Sunlight Therapy Can Make You Happier

Spending a few minutes in the sun every day has shown to be highly beneficial in a variety of ways. A 2014 research study found that employees who had windows in their office, and thus, spent 30 to 60 minutes in the sunlight every day, were automatically motivated to exercise more. These people also got more sleep than employees whose offices did not have any windows.

When your body gets exposed to natural light, it becomes easy for you to align with your natural circadian rhythms, which leaves you feeling less sleepy and more energetic. With all that extra energy, you are bound to feel inspired to engage in activities that are good for you, like working out, playing with your kids (or pets), etc.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy

Natural light or bright blue light has also proven to reduce the symptoms of depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In 2013, researchers found that 7 weeks of increased exposure to sunlight helped alleviate depressive symptoms in people.

Interestingly, a 2015 study found that bright light therapy, which is designed to mimic natural outdoor light, was incredibly effective in curing depression. This is great news for people who live in extremely dark regions where sunlight exposure is weakest. With modern bright lights for depression, like the Feel Bright Light, you can still reap the benefits of natural outdoor light in the comfort of your home.

Research shows that light is the most important factor when it comes to setting and maintaining our circadian rhythms (the natural daily rhythm of humans). In order to have a good-quality, restful sleep and higher energy levels, you should sleep in the darkness (at night) and be exposed to intensely bright light in the daytime.

And contrary to what you may believe, the standard LED bulbs in your home or workplace don’t count as “light”, regardless of how “bright” they might be. Sunlight is the best way to go, but thanks to the innovations in light technology, you can use Bright Lights that are specifically designed to give you the same health benefits of natural light.

Let Feel Bright Light Help Lift Your Mood

If you are feeling low or battling with mood changes, Feel Bright Light is the right solution to rejuvenate your inner being. Since 1984, Feel Bright Light has served as a treatment option for people suffering from seasonal depression issues. Visit our products page to discover the wonder of Feel Bright Light for yourself or call us toll-free at 207-935-1256.