Have you noticed that when the gray winter covers the skies that your happiness and activity levels decrease? Every year I notice it, every year I simply deal with it, letting my work and my relationships suffer. So this year I sought out a cure, and I've noticed that the bottom line for my mood has improved, as has my creativity, AND I've noticed a drop in anxiety.
What is it about Winter that brings those nasty blues? One might argue that it’s because all the trees have gone bare or that the grey clouds have taken control of the world outside, or simply that they block out most of the sunlight. Similar to those of us who prefer staying indoors, no matter what season of the year, it is the lack of sun exposure that has a powerful impact on our moods. Ever wonder why doctors suggest a supplement of vitamin D for sadness, depression, and hermits? Well, this stems from precisely the same issue. The more time you spend NOT in sunlight, the more your mood can fluctuate and your bottom line can fall. But there’s a brilliant solution that I’ve been using this winter, and it actually works.
What is it about Winter that brings those nasty blues? One might argue that it’s because all the trees have gone bare or that the grey clouds have taken control of the world outside, or simply that they block out most of the sunlight. Similar to those of us who prefer staying indoors, no matter what season of the year, it is the lack of sun exposure that has a powerful impact on our moods. Ever wonder why doctors suggest a supplement of vitamin D for sadness, depression, and hermits? Well, this stems from precisely the same issue. The more time you spend NOT in sunlight, the more your mood can fluctuate and your bottom line can fall. But there’s a brilliant solution that I’ve been using this winter, and it actually works.
So, not to sound all sales pitchy, but I really do believe in this solution, because I’ve tested it over the past month and feel better for it. As full disclosure, I have received only the lamp to review in this article and no other compensation; only after I’ve researched the subject and reached out to the nice folks over at Verilux for a sample.
Basically, what I’m talking about is light therapy with a light box or better known as a light therapy lamp, like Verilux’s HappyLight. These types of lights tend to range from small handhelds, about the size of an iPhone Plus, all the way up to large, beauty style pieces that I envision fitting in perfectly at some posh makeup counter, where hours are spent perfecting ones look. The HappyLight is about the size of a sheet of paper, obviously not as thin, but it is the perfect size to work within several setups within my home, in my lifestyle and is capable of packing up easily for travelers, since it’s thin and relatively lightweight.
Basically, what I’m talking about is light therapy with a light box or better known as a light therapy lamp, like Verilux’s HappyLight. These types of lights tend to range from small handhelds, about the size of an iPhone Plus, all the way up to large, beauty style pieces that I envision fitting in perfectly at some posh makeup counter, where hours are spent perfecting ones look. The HappyLight is about the size of a sheet of paper, obviously not as thin, but it is the perfect size to work within several setups within my home, in my lifestyle and is capable of packing up easily for travelers, since it’s thin and relatively lightweight.
How does it work? Well, the HappyLight is as simplistic as any I’ve seen, because all you do is plug her in and then hit one of her four buttons and then the light therapy commences. The light is bright, but not too bright as I can stare directly into it, but it is bright enough (at 10,000 LUX) to affect your mood and your bottom line in as little as an hour a day. They say you can do as little as 15-minutes, but I find the best results being at an hour or more. Some folks will argue that they don’t have the time to sit in front of a light for an hour a day, but you can find time, especially since mood is directly related to happiness. For my lifestyle as a writer, I read A LOT. So, finding time is no issue. Besides, even if there was a day much too busy for reading, I can set the HappyLight up on my desk and write while I bask in the healing light. So if it’s important enough for you, you will find a way, right?
If you would like to find out more about Verilux’s HappyLight, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen – Photos by © Verilux.
If you would like to find out more about Verilux’s HappyLight, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen – Photos by © Verilux.
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