The summer months are usually a time of fun and happiness. For SAD sufferers it is a different story in the winter
You have a skip in your step, the birds are singing and you have the warm sun on your face. Come winter however and for a lot of people the mood changes. 3% of people suffer from a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, which normally strikes every year, and a further 12% have reported mild cases.
Lethargy, mood swings, muscle pains and generally feeling low are among the many that people report.What causes this is not known exactly, but we do know that one of the major influences is lower light levels in winter causing brain and body chemical communication errors. The eyes are very sensitive to light levels and if there is not enough of it around, they will trigger the body to release melatonin in to the blood stream, making us feel lethargic and tired.
Believe it or not we can reduce the effect of Seasonal Affective Disorder by being careful about what we surround ourselves with in our homes. Living room and additionally bedroom furniture are often the most important to get right as these are the rooms that we spend most of our time in. Purchasing white furniture for example white wardrobes, tables and chairs will increase the amount of light that is reflected around the room and will have a large impact on mood.
A minimal approach to furniture is also a good idea as this helps open up rooms and reduces the feeling of being cluttered.If you have fewer pieces of furniture in a room, the light has a better opportunity to reflect around it and you will also be able to navigate it easier. You can also add to the efficiency of light circulation around a room by painting the walls in a light colour.
Some ideas for reducing the amount of furniture you have include only having your table large enough for everyday use and taking away or adding chairs if and when you need them, only have one bedside table instead of one each side, and getting rid of small pieces that only have aesthetic value.
