Most people’s moods are impacted by their environment. This is especially true when it comes to the lighting in your home. Let’s look into some of the ways that home lighting can affect your mood and how you can use that light for good.
1. Light Makes You Alert
Light tells your brain to be awake and aware. It does this by stimulating the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from your eyes to your brain. As you naturally wake up, your brain’s levels of cortisol also increase. Cortisol helps with awareness, making decisions, and solving problems. With more light in the room, you can think more clearly.
2. Some Colors are Better than Others
Different colors affect your mood. Blue and white are cool colors that naturally relax your brain because they place your body in a state of calm alertness. This is why blue and white look great in bedrooms. Yellow is also a happy, sunny color that can help you feel happier and more confident.
3. Light Determines How Well You Sleep
Your brain naturally produces the hormone melatonin, which tells your body it’s time to sleep. Unfortunately, bright lights can decrease the production of this hormone. This means that if your bedroom is brightly lit, you’ll have a hard time falling asleep. To get the best night’s sleep, make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible and that lights are turned off right before bed.
4. Light Alters Your Mood
Light can be used to alter your mood. When you feel sad, you may seek out darker places. By being in a naturally bright room, it can significantly improve your mood.
5. Natural Light is Best
Natural light creates a sense of comfort that artificial home lighting doesn’t always match. This makes it an ideal solution for getting rid of the blues and making someone feel better when they suffer from a lack of sunlight. Use white bulbs in larger rooms, such as your living room or kitchen, so that you can get the most natural light possible.
Around 2,000 years ago, the Ancient Greeks were the first to study electricity. Benjamin Franklin was not the first person to do so. Since then, we’ve come a long way, and scientists are still finding new ways to utilize light to affect your mood positively. For now, be sure that the home lighting you use in your home is doing you some good. Call us today to learn more.