Feeling Blue? It May Be Time to See the Light!
Are you sadder on gloomy days? If so, there’s no need to worry – you’re not alone! . Not everyone is affected in the same way, but we’re all affected. Learn more about why a lack of light makes us feel blue and what you can do about it.
With Light Comes Happiness
As cliché as it sounds, lighting really is the light at the end of our tunnels. There are several ways in boosts moods. First, UV light falls on bare skin, or light entering your eyes. As it interacts with your skin, it influences the body in a wide range of ways that include mood boosting. On the other hand, UV lighting can also speed up the natural aging process of your skin and can raise your risk of getting skin cancer.
UV light entering your eyes has a quicker effect on our moods and it comes with zero risks. Within a half an hour of entering a bright environment, you’ll feel more light-hearted and even notice more energy. It’s been proven that we think more clearly and have faster reaction times when UV light enters our eyes. After several days of this exposure, studies have shown that people actually eat less and crave carbohydrates less.
Why does light affect us this way? Because it controls certain brain chemicals and hormones. You may have heard of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that puts us to sleep. Well, melatonin production is actually shut down, and serotonin (essentially a hormone that energizes us) is increased. Put simply, the more UV light you get, the more serotonin your body produces, and the better your mood, the more energy you have, and the fewer carb cravings you have.
Not everyone is affected the same way
Introverts and extroverts are affected by light in different ways. Introverts generally want less simulation, are more affected by sensory input around them, and can be easily distracted by their senses. They can get overwhelmed by loud noises and bright lights.
On the other hand, extroverts tend to have more of a tolerance for brightness, odors, lights, and sounds – which results in them being less affected by loud noises and bright lights. They may not be negatively affected by too much sensory simulation.
There is a solution!
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, there are ways that light can be used to boost your move and your creativity. It’s up to you to find the right light setting that gets you to your happy place. You have options including a wide range of color temperatures, wattages, and more.
This doesn’t mean you have to invest in rewiring your home or office with interior lighting. Instead, simply buy a lantern and the appropriate batteries and use the light to brighten your space when light gets low. Or perhaps adjust the brightness on your laptop to ensure it keeps you in your comfort zone. The reality is that it’s up to you to find your own individual sweet spot, but once you know the goal it’ll be easy to find it.
