I live in the Northern Hemisphere, and from late August until March when the time changes I use a full-spectrum SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Lamp to keep me from getting the “winter blues” from the dim light of winter.
When I’m depressed I’m much less likely to stick to a diet plan because I just figure ‘to hell with it’ and give up. That’s why it is so important to my diet plan for me to use a SAD lamp.
I’ve had several of them, and the one I have now is hands-down my favorite. It is very compact, doesn’t collect dust, and emits a very bright 11,000 lux measured amount of light. I use it for an hour while I’m in bed in the morning drinking my coffee and scrolling.
I’ve had this SAD lamp for over a year now and it hasn’t let me down. You can dim the light if you find that 11,000 lux is overwhelming, but I use it at the highest setting for the best effect.
In addition to preventing depression, I find that this lamp also helps me wake up in the morning. Sitting next to it with a cup of coffee every morning counteracts the effects of dim winter light for me.
Need something smaller and cheaper?
The Verilux HappyLight is also great. It only has 10,000 lux, which is the minimum recommended, but it is small and easy to clean put away.
It basically looks like an iPad on a tilt-stand. It even has a 1-hour timer so you’ll know when you’re done. You can adjust the light level up or down as well as change the color temperature (warm to cold).
“The ultra-thin tablet design with detachable stand and wall mount makes HappyLight Lumi Plus portable enough for use at home or on the go. It’s great for combating seasonal blues, insomnia, and sunlight deprivation for shift workers, office employees, seniors, or anyone in need of more sunshine.”
So…
Do you use a SAD lamp? Have you thought about getting one? I love mine!
