If cloudy weather makes you a little gloomy and if sunshine lifts your spirits, then you’ll agree that lighting has a big impact on your emotions. Lighting also impacts your productivity at work and overall mental health. Here’s how.
In the Home
Lack of exposure to direct sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiencies and contribute to depression. In addition, poor lighting can lead to overeating. (Now you know why you eat too much popcorn in movie theaters.)
Bright light in the morning helps to wake you up, while dim light in the evening helps your body slow down and prepare for sleep. Lighting plays a key role in regulating your circadian rhythms. That’s why it’s not a good idea to stare at screens before going to bed.
At Work
Dim lighting at work can cause employees to strain their eyes and lead to headaches and/or migraines. Poor lighting can also make it hard to stay awake. If you’re having a hard time staying focused and motivated, it isn’t coffee that you need more of — you need more light.
On the other hand, excessively bright fluorescent light can also trigger headaches and/or migraines. A simple solution to poor lighting is natural lighting. Research has shown that natural lighting, directly and indirectly, influences mood, behavior and hormonal balance. Greater natural light can help reduce the risk of illnesses, improve attendance at work and create a happier environment.
Mental Health
Just like colors influence your emotions, so does the intensity of light. Research has shown that the more intense the lighting, the stronger a person’s emotions, whether positive or negative. Intense lighting can make a person seem more attractive, spicier sauce appears to be more appealing and negative words appear to be more negative (and vice versa). So if you turn up the light, you’ll feel more heat and that will trigger the hot emotional system.
Lighting Solutions
When natural lighting is not a feasible option, homeowners have many other convenient lighting options to choose from. For example, installing a dimmer on the lighting system can help simulate the brightness and intensity of natural sunlight and support your circadian rhythm.
If you’re considering changing up the lighting in your home or workplace, reach out the Blue Apple Electric team for eco-friendly lighting recommendations.