The sun is what gives us life, and yet many of us hide from it whenever possible. We hole ourselves in our homes with the curtains drawn, and little do we know, this isn’t the greatest for our mental health. In this post, we will explain why that is and tell you what you can do about it.
Why Sunlight is so Good for Us
Having exposure to the sun can improve your serotonin levels. This is a chemical in your brain that helps to stabilize your mood. Without it, we can feel depression. During winter time, you may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to the decrease in sunlight. However, if you are someone who never gets sunlight in general, you may be feeling this way all the time.
Sunlight causes serotonin to release when it hits your retina. Many therapists may use light therapy, which can involve the sun or a light box, to make you feel better. In addition, sunlight helps you to regulate your sleep schedule. When you wake up with sunlight, it tells your body that it’s time to start your day. When there’s less sunlight, melatonin releases in your body, which can signal it’s time to go to bed.
Sunlight’s also good as a way to light up your house. You can have reduced electricity rates when you let in more sun in your home. Speaking of which, sunlight can be a natural way to warm your home. Keep your curtains opened, and then close them at night so the heat does not escape.
How to Let In More Sunlight
There are many ways for you to get more sun in your home. Let’s look at some of them.
Open The Curtains
Simply pull the curtains and shades open each day. This is simple enough, but many people forget to do it, which causes us to feel more depressed.
Color is Important
Color can reflect light or absorb it. If your house uses lighter colors, you can reap the benefits of sunlight. If you have darker furniture near your window, it may absorb it. Put some white trim close to your windows and it may help you.
Mirrors Can Help
If you put a wall mirror across from your window, it can help to get more sunlight in the room. Plus, mirrors can make your home feel bigger, which can be good for your mental health.
Change the Windows
If your windows are older, then it’s time to convert them to something more energy-efficient. Thermal windows can allow more sunlight in, and also keep your house warm, too.
Use a Light Box
Some people have jobs that do not allow them to be able to be at the house when it’s sunny outside. This can lead to depression and other mental health woes. Instead of shopping for a bar stool to have another drink, consider investing in a light box.
Many of them can emulate the sun’s light quite well, giving you similar benefits when compared to being outside in the sun itself.
Seek Therapy
While the sun can help improve your mood, it is not a cure-all for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Speaking to a therapist about any issue you may have can shine some sunlight to clear up any mental fog you have. A licensed therapist can be the key you need to unlock the door to happiness.
Online therapy is one such solution, allowing you to talk to a therapist from anywhere. Click the link below to learn more:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-is-aversion-therapy-and-how-can-it-help/
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