As the window of time we experience sunlight dwindles this time of year, many people experience changes in their mood and energy. Some of this is natural- hibernation is a real thing after all- but in this day and age we need to be able to function optimally year round.
Being a sun worshipper myself, I have experienced this first hand. I get a little quieter, a little colder and a little more reserved in the winter. I never experienced what used to be known as Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD), which is now known as “major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern” and is commonly called “winter blues.” That being said, I have heard from enough patients over the years to know that it is a very real thing. About three years ago I started exploring what could be done about it.
First, I found hot yoga. While there is no “sunlight” mimicked in class, I found the heat alone to be therapeutic. I knew that wasn’t everything though. So I did more research, and as luck would have it, stumbled upon my first Verilux light at a Tuesday Morning near my old office.
Verilux lamps employ full-spectrum light bulbs (minus the harmful UV, microwave and other ends of the spectrum). When used in specific dosages throughout the early part of the day, they are designed to help you feel better when you can not be exposed to enough natural light. Here is what they have to say on their website https://www.verilux.com/pages/light-therapy:
“Our brain’s chemistry and body-clock are affected by light, and light stimulates hormones and neurotransmitters that greatly influence our overall feelings of well-being. Bright light exposure early in the day stimulates our body’s production of serotonin (which improves mood and happiness) and regulates melatonin in the evening (which promotes sleep). Adding a HappyLight® to your daily routine allows you to stimulate the production of these important hormones naturally, to keep your body running like clockwork.”
There are some rules around the usage depending on the size and strength of the bulb, but in general, they should be used at an angle to your line of sight and “dosed” for 30min-2 hours total, preferably earlier in the day (as explained above). I have also found it stimulating if used later in the day so personally I make my cut-off around lunchtime. I have come to appreciate these lamps so much they have become an integral part of my daily routine.