I've wanted one of these Full Spectrum Lights for several years and finally put it on my Christmas list this year. And my son got it for me. This lamp uses Natural Spectrum light to help with the symptoms of "Winter Blues" and SAD (seasonal effected disorder). For years I've had a hard time dealing with the dark, gloomy winters we have here in the Seattle area. I have no energy and my mood is borderline depression. I blogged about getting one of these types of lights years ago but never got around to buying one. I thought they were a bit pricey and I wasn't too sure they would work. But this one was only about $50 at Costco so I thought it was worth a try. Also this one is small (only 12" high) and fits almost anywhere.
The package says that it emulates sunshine and will improve your mood and energy and help with your productivity and concentration. You're supposed to sit in front of the light (between 6" - 24" away from your face) for 30 - 60 minutes in the morning with your eyes open. They suggest reading or knitting or something or put it next to your computer while you work. I put mine on the small table next to my comfy chair where I read.
I've have used is now for the past two days and I think I can feel a difference already. I actually felt like doing stuff today. I put away all the Christmas decorations. Amazing! That usually doesn't get done until the last couple weeks of January. A promising start. We'll see how it goes in the next few weeks since they say you may not feel the effects for a month or so.
Recent reads:
This is the 5th book in the Hathaway series which tells Beatrix's story and is my favorite book in the bunch. I loved Beatrix from the very first book with her quirky animal menagerie which includes a hedgehog and a ferret and other creatures who need her special care. She has a way with wounded animals and a tender heart. Beatrix is the "baby" of the family and is now 23 y.o. All of her siblings are married and settled and she's feeling like she will never find anyone since she realizes how odd she is in comparison to most young ladies. Beatrix starts a correspondence with Captain Christopher Phelan who is fighting in the Crimean War. However, Captain Phelan thinks he is corresponding with his love interest, Prudence, Beatrix's friend. The letters are funny, charming, and touching at times. When Christopher returns home from the war, he is suffering very badly from guilt and what we would call PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). When he finds out that he has been exchanging letters with Beatrix rather Prudence, he feels betrayed and angry. I loved Kleypas' writing in LITA and thought it was one of her best efforts since Devil in Winter. Beatrix and Christopher were wonderfully drawn and made a perfect match. LITA is not a DIK but it comes close.
My Grade: B+
4 comments:
I have to get my SAD light out for sure - I have also found it to be great for the blues I get around now until early spring. I'm also going back to walking on the treadmill - it's also real good for depression (I walk in the dark, how I don't kill myself is beyond me but I have to walk without seeing how long I've been on the treadmill. So lights out and iPod on loud.) Last year I was up to an hour but when the very, very, very hot summer hit I stopped. Tonight I got back on for the first time in ages - we'll see what tomorrow brings. ;)
And I put my light beside my reading chair but I haven't been reading as much. Although I also enjoyed Love in the Afternoon.
Happy New Year!
CindyS
Thanks, same to you. I was thinking of you when I got this light because I remember discussing SAD lights on your blog a while back. Wow, walking on a treadmill in the dark would be a sure fire way to hurt myself, I'm such a klutz. Good thing I don't have one. I do have a stationary bike but my Bob has taken over it lately. I have always hated it anyway, so boring.
This was a loovely blog post
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