Lighting & Personal Effectiveness
In this article we begin to explore the important impact that the quality and quantity of light has on our sense of wellbeing and ability to carry out daily tasks. How would you feel about working in the space in the photo? Inspired, energetic, enthusiastic...? Unlikely.
Light is critical to human functioning and several scientific research studies have found lighting – both natural and electric - has profound effects on our mood, productivity and health. That’s what advances in scientific research on how light affects our bodies and minds is finding. By influencing our sleep-wake cycles, the right kind of light can have profound physiological and psychological effects on our mood, productivity and health; making us work more effectively, recover more quickly from illness, and feel better.
The most obvious function of lighting is that it allows us to see things and perform activities. It's important to get right because it affects human beings psychologically and physiologically. Several studies have documented the importance of light in reducing depression, decreasing fatigue, improving alertness, modulating circadian rhythms, and treating conditions such as migraine, depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), myopia, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
Adequate and appropriate exposure to light is essential for health and well-being and a combination of daylight and electric light – i.e. Biodynamic techniques - can meet these needs and be incorporated into lighting design in the workplace and at home. Eye strain, headaches, low mood, poor concentration are just some of the early warning signs that we may not be listening to the needs of our bodies and succumbing to the pressures and stress associated with modern life.
For more information about the benefits and options available to improve your lighting, talk to us… because there’s more to light!
