Have you ever noticed that you’re a bit bluer on gloomydays? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Lighting affects our mood – not all peopleare affected the same way, but we are ALL affected.

Illumination = Jubilation 

Lighting is, quite accurately, the light at the end of ourtunnels. It boosts our moods in two ways: UV light falling on bare skin or anylight entering the eyes. When UV light interacts with your skin, it haswidespread influence throughout your body. Unfortunately, UV light alsopromotes skin aging and increases your risk of skin cancer.

The light that enters your eyes has a more immediate effecton your mood and no risks. Within 30 minutes of being in a very brightenvironment, you will feel more energetic and light-hearted, you will think moreclearly, and you will have a faster reaction time. After a few days of brightlight exposure, you will have fewer carbohydrate cravings and potentially eatless.

Light offers you all these benefits because it controls theproduction of certain hormones and brain chemicals. It shuts down theproduction of melatonin (the nighttime sleep hormone) and stimulates theproduction of serotonin (the energizing, daytime counterpart). More light =more serotonin = more energy, a better mood, and fewer carbohydrate cravings.In essence, light is the environmental cure to depression.

Inny or Outy?

There are two types of people when it comes to our reactionto light: introverts and extroverts. Introverts tend to prefer lessstimulation, and are more affected by sensory input and their surroundings –they tend to be easily distracted by their senses. Bright lights and loudnoises wear them out.

Extroverts generally have a higher tolerance for sensorystimulation (light, brightness, sound, odors), which means they aren’t asaffected by bright lights or loud noises. Their performance and mental statemay not be as negatively influenced by sensory stimulation.

A Solution for All 

Inny or outy, the best way to maximize your performance,increase creativity and improve your mood is to figure out what works for you.Find a light setting that puts you in your happy place. At Batteries Plus®,professional staff members can help you find the perfect lighting option foryour personality. We can direct you to the appropriate color temperature andwattage/lumens for the environment you are looking to light. Choose from CFLs,LEDs, and more in a variety of color temperatures and lumens.