In a 2020 study it was estimated that between .5 to 2.4% of the population are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression. This condition affects your mood, concentration, energy levels, and can even contribute to thoughts of self-harm. These symptoms last typically forty percent of the year.
How can bright light therapy help me?
This article shows that whether you’re dealing with SAD, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, depression, or many other mental health struggles, bright light therapy can help. It engages your body’s innate programming and strengths in order to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Best of all, it is a simple, non-drug treatment that can be done at home.
Here are two action steps that you can take:
- Get out in the sunlight. Spending as little as twenty minutes a day in direct sunlight can significantly improve your mental health. If possible, find ways to work near windows to increase your light exposure throughout the day.
- Research different bright light boxes to find one that would work for you. Spending 20-40 minutes in front of a bright light box every morning can help to improve your overall wellbeing and regulate your sleep cycle. Deep and consistent sleep is essential for mental and physical wellbeing, being linked to our immune system, memory, and resiliency to anxiety and depression.