Autumn is a season of shorter days and less light. This can have a negative impact on morale, health, and productivity at work. Fortunately, there are solutions to counter the lack of light in autumn and make the most of this time of year.
Here they are:
Go outside and play! One of the simplest solutions is to expose yourself to as much natural light as possible. We recommend going outside for at least 30 minutes a day, preferably in the morning, to benefit from the sun’s rays. If the weather is cloudy or rainy, you can still take advantage of the diffused light coming through the clouds. It’s also important to optimise indoor lighting by opening curtains and using bulbs that mimic daylight.
Everyone under the lamp! Another solution is to use light therapy, which involves exposure to a medium-intensity light with a specific spectrum close to sunlight. There’s no need to look directly at the lamp with your eyes open. This practice stimulates the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone. Light therapy is particularly effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which manifests as depression (the extent of which varies from person to person) linked to the change of season. It is advisable to have a light therapy session in the morning, for 15 to 30 minutes, at a distance of 50 to 60 cm from the lamp.
There are ways of dealing with the lack of light in autumn and avoiding the negative effects on morale and health. The main ones are exposure to natural or artificial light, light therapy, and physical activity. These solutions help you to enjoy the benefits of autumn, such as the shimmering colours of the leaves, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and cosy moments by the fire.
By Roger Lemay