Winter seems like it is lasting forever and I really do feel like we have been living in perpetual darkness for months now, yes the nights are starting to stay lighter for longer but the days just seem so dull and dreary. As you have probably guessed I suffer from SAD, I haven’t been diagnosed as it doesn’t effect me to the point of medical intervention but there are some days when I feel like I live with a cloud over me and need a boost to get myself motivated to even lift my sorry backside from the sofa – I am just so tired all the time!
We have made some steps to let in as much light as possible from our windows, taking down blinds and pulling back the curtains as far as they will go. Moving heavy furniture that was situated in front of the windows and blocking some light, now there is a free flow of sun light (whenever we get any!) through the rooms and it does make a difference to how the rooms feel as a whole. I have also found that having large mirrors to bounce the light around the rooms seems to help too and one of my favourites is having fresh flowers in each room – it really does feel as though there is life and some of the outdoors inside (this may be psychological but lighter flowers, white and bright yellows, make me happy).
Another thing I have been trying lately is an Innolux light that mimics daylight, sending light of specific wavelengths to the back of the eye (retina) to help keep the circadian and other rhythms relating to the body clock stable. They are most effective between 6am and 10am – when we are naturally supposed to be exposed to daylight.
Carrying on with everyday activities while using the light is important and there is no need to sit directly in front of it to get the full effects, as long as it is within eye sight the benefits can be felt. Not only does this help if you suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) but can also help your wellbeing year round. I found that after one week of regular use I was a little less sluggish and felt like I had more of a positive outlook, things didn’t seem to heavy anymore.
The thing I liked about the lamp is that it has a contemporary design that would fit in well with home decor too and not stand out like a sore thumb like many other health lamps I have looked at. The compact design means it can easily be moved around the house too, I used it in the living room while watching TV and moved it to the office while i was working.
Personally I would highly recommend giving this a go if you suffer from any seasonal disorders, it really has made a difference to how I react to being indoors so much, I don’t feel trapped anymore and since hubby and the children like the curtains closed while watching TV i can retreat to the office, flick on my light and not feel like i live with a bunch of vampires!
XOXO
Debbie
Innolux is a Finnish brand that has just launched in the UK. Available in the UK from www.purelifestylewonders.comfrom £89
I was kindly sent the lamp for 4 weeks to trial for purposes of this review. All views and opinions are my own and genuine
