Bright Light, Red Light: How to Beat the Winter Blues
Winter can be tough on your mood and energy. Many people feel down when the days get shorter. This is more than just feeling a bit sad. It’s a real condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The good news is, there are ways to fight it.
Bright Light Therapy
The most common treatment is bright light therapy. It uses strong white light to mimic sunlight, helping your body’s internal clock stay on track. Studies show it works best in the morning. Blue light therapy is another option and can be just as effective.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is different. It doesn’t replace bright light therapy, but it can help. Red light works at the cellular level, boosting energy, improving circulation, and supporting better sleep. One study found that red light improved sleep and physical performance in female basketball players.
Managing Stress
Light isn’t the only factor—stress plays a big role in seasonal depression. Tools like the Ohm Resonance Lamp can help. It uses timed breathing and sensory cues to calm the body, making it easier to handle stress.
Diet and Mood
What you eat also affects your mood. Less sunlight can lower vitamin D, serotonin, and melatonin levels—key for mood and sleep. Eating foods rich in vitamin D, omega-3s, and B vitamins can help. Avoiding blood-sugar spikes is also important.
Simple Habits for Better Mood
- Use bright light therapy in the morning.
- Consider red light therapy in the evening.
- Protect your sleep by dimming lights and limiting screen time.
- Eat foods that support your mood.
- Strength training can also help.
Be consistent with these habits.
Conclusion
In short, bright light therapy treats SAD directly, while red light therapy supports sleep and energy. Used together, they can help you feel better, even in the darkest months.
