Mental Health Light Therapy For Anxiety

Did you know mental health light therapy can help anxiety? We’ve put together our favorite calming bedroom lights and tips.

Calming Lighting Tips - Mental Health Light Therapy

Have you ever walked into a room with harsh, cool lights, like a supermarket or hospital, and felt cold or anxious? This is the impact lighting mood can have on our mental health, especially if you already suffer from anxiety.

Being intentional about the lighting you use in your home or bedroom can make a huge impact on how relaxed you feel in your space and whether it helps you decompress from the outside world.

Mental health light therapy is becoming increasingly popular to support emotional well-being at home, especially for people who suffer from seasonal depression or sleeping problems.

How Does Lighting Impact Our Mood?

Lighting impacts our mental health and physical body more than most people realize.

Here are some ways lighting can directly impact your mood -

• Circadian rhythm - Exposure to bright light can be useful in making us feel more alert and awake, however, it interferes with relaxation during the evening hours. Dim lighting in the evening is more calming and helps produce melatonin.

• Natural lighting - Natural lighting also supports our circadian rhythm and mental health. Placing a desk near a window can boost your mood when studying or working from home.

• Bright lighting - Bright fluorescent lighting can be helpful for promoting wakefulness and acts as therapy for depression, as it can help reset the circadian rhythm when exposed at the right time.

• Colored lighting - Red lighting, blue, or green are ideal for performance theaters as it can influence mood. The temperature also impacts mood, with red or orange being perceived as more relaxing and cozy.

Warm Lighting Vs Cool Lighting

Understanding the difference between warm and cool lighting is the first step in creating a more inviting space, whether you're renting a room in a shared living space or a house.

Cool lighting is above 4000K and works well where visibility matters, but can feel clinical. That’s why we recommend to avoid putting it in places of relaxation like the bedroom or living room.

Warm lighting is between 2700K and 3000K and has a soft golden glow. This is the best type of lighting for relaxing and winding down, and can contribute to a calm mood.

What Is The Best Calming Lighting For Anxiety?

If you're looking to change the lighting in your space to be more calming, then try making the following lighting switches -

• LED bulbs - These provide light without being excessively bright. Choosing warm white bulbs helps create a relaxing environment.

• Dimmable lights - Being able to adjust the brightness of your lights can help signal to your body when it’s time for evening and relaxation.

• Sunrise lamps - These lamps support your mental health, also known as sunrise lamps. They help flood your room with calming daylight in the mornings to promote natural waking times.

Calming Bedroom Lights - Decor Tips

If you are renting in a shared living space, it might not be easy to change the rental lighting. These are some tips and tricks you can use to help make the lighting in your bedroom more calming.

• Use bedside lighting - Instead of switching on your harsh overhead light, try using bedside table lamps or desk lamps, which are more relaxing and less overpowering.

• Add string lights - Drape string lights over your bookcase or headboard to make your space feel more homely and cozy.

• Let natural light in - During the day, make sure to open windows and draw back your curtains to let natural light in, this can also help regulate your circadian rhythm.

• Dim lighting before bed - Lower the brightness of your lamps an hour before bed to promote better sleep.

Find Your Perfect Room With Alcove

In addition to lighting, where you live also has a big impact on your mental well-being. At Alcove, we understand that a home is where you connect, wind down, and build your daily routines.

Our shared living spaces are equipped with all the latest utilities for peace of mind, and we match your roommates based on compatibility to create a supportive community of like-minded renters.

We also have flexible renting terms, and all your bills are paid through our Alcove platform to create a low stress, easy shared living experience.

Find your perfect room with Alcove today.