Light is a major component of who we are as human beings. Our ancestors rose and slumbered according to the light of the sun, forever setting our circadian rhythms and body clocks. Even when the sun wasn’t available, people created light-centered traditions. For example, Colonists were known to have placed a candle in each window as a symbol of warmth and family.
It’s clear that we could all use a little more light in our lives. Sunlight is ideal, but between busy schedules and cloud-covered winter days, it’s not always possible to soak up the sun. That’s where light therapy comes in, along with several other ideas to surround yourself with light.
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Here are 10 ways to bring even more light into your everyday life.
1. Display sunny vacation pictures
All of those sun-soaked vacations no doubt resulted in lots of photos. If there’s a sunset you especially love or a picture of your family basking in the rays, frame it or set it as your desktop background. It will give you hope that sunnier days are ahead.
2. Brighten up your workout
Workouts can inspire plenty of good vibes, and sweating it out in sunlight is even better. If the sun is out, take your run into the fresh air, go snowshoeing or sign up for an outdoor yoga class. If you’re indoors, you can hang a HappyLight Full-Size 10K Light Therapy Lamp or the HappyLight Deluxe Light Therapy Lamp right on the wall and exercise next to your HappyLight - get your workout in and do a light therapy session at the same time.
3. Plan ahead for sunlight in the forecast
Sunlight can be a tough commodity to come by in the winter. There’s a saying among those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder: “If the sun is out, you should be, too.” If you deal with winter blues or just need a happiness boost, check the forecast on gloomy days for fleeting moments of sunlight, then head out for a walk.
4. Place a few HappyLights® throughout your space
Light therapy can be truly effective when it becomes a seamless part of your day, so put a few HappyLight lamps in the spots that you frequent the most, such as a nook where you do your reading, the dinner table or even your bathroom counter.
5. Replace regular light bulbs with full-spectrum versions
Full spectrum light or natural spectrum light has the power to emulate sunlight. Swap out the old light bulbs in your lamps and light fixtures with general use full spectrum light bulbs.
6. Sit next to a full-spectrum desk or floor lamp
Whether you work in a cubicle or a home office, you can bring daylight indoors with a SmartLight LED Desk & Table Lamp®. If there’s a hobby you enjoy at home, such as doing a DIY project or taking an online class on your laptop, the SmartLight LED Modern Floor Lamp® might be right up your alley.
7. Set your lights on timers
Few things are as mood-crushing as walking up to a dark house after a long day at work. Put your outdoor lights on timers so that light will welcome you at the door.
8. Place flameless candles around your home
Include several flameless candles in your décor and bring a few pops of light to a shelf, countertop, table or relaxation area.
9. Hang twinkle lights around your house and outside
Winter has that certain sparkliness that isn’t experienced during the other seasons. Embrace it by hanging up twinkle lights in your bedroom or around your front porch. If you have children, use twinkle lights in an indoor fort and make it a fun hang out spot for the whole family. No matter where you hand them, they'll add a dose of magic to dark evenings.
10. Install large windows in your home
If you bemoan the fact that your house has small windows or not enough windows to bring in abundant light, consider a refresh by installing picture windows or floor-to-ceiling windows. Your mood, and your houseplants will thank you for it.
