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Let there be light: A proven way to fight the winter blues

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with ActiveRain


Each year I fall victim to the dreariness of Seattle's dark and wet winter. I become lethargic, unmotivated and peckish (mostly for carbs). In winter, I need more sleep and ironically more caffeine to provide enough energy for the day.

Then spring comes, and I am myself again! I appreciate bright clear blue skies and I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. It invigorates me and I feel alive.

In the winter, without the sun, it can be depressing. 

But there's hope!

Last week I discovered the most amazing thing that absolutely changed my life: light therapy. I bought the Philips GoLite. It's a light that you use for as little as 15 minutes per day and it gives you energy, lifts your mood and helps fight the winter blues. It uses clinically proven Bluewave technology which gives you safe, non-UV blue light that you usually get from the sun and need for healthy well being. It's a natural way to get energized and motivated during the winter months.

I've been using the GoLite for 15-30 minutes per day and the results have been absolutely incredible. I set it on the desk at an angle a couple feet away as I work on my laptop. It is small and portable and you can use it while on your computer, watching TV, reading or eating, at home or at work.

Jon even bought a bunch of them for the ActiveRain office and they are a hit. 

If you suffer from a a degree of SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) or just need a little extra energy to get you through the winter, then you need to buy this light. It will do wonders for your energy, happiness, overall well being and outlook on life.

Image courtesy of Nanagyei.
Diane Lynch
Realty Executives Premiere - Warrenville, IL
Real Estate Broker

Hmmmm, I might have to try that. It's cold and gloomy in Chicago for many long months. Can be depressing at times. Thanks for sharing.

Jan 14, 2011 05:34 PM
Phil Leng
Retired - Kirkland, WA
Phil Leng - Retired

Hi Lauren,

Good for you for discovering that! If you work in an office with flourescent light you can get a version of the blue light and use them instead of regular flourescents.

Phil

Jan 14, 2011 06:23 PM
Robin Risley
Kamali Sotheby's International Realty - Cannon Beach, OR
CRS, GRI, Principal Broker

Have you had your  blood tested for vitamin D? You might be surprised to find you have a low count and doctors can give you pills to get you back on track. It is a new test.

The light is fantastic. 

Jan 14, 2011 06:35 PM
Lauren Bernstein
ActiveRain - Seattle, WA

Diane - this light does wonders! I'm buying one for my parents next.

Phil - I must give credit to Jonathan Washburn for discovering the GoLite! He brought a bunch into the office and the ActiveRain staff are loving them! They helped increase energy around the office and productivity this past week. Thanks for letting us know about the blue light for offices - that's great!

Robin - Great question! I have had my blood tested for Vitamin D deficiency and I do take Vitamin D supplements. Those of us living in the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to take a Vitamin D supplement which is important for many reasons.

Jan 14, 2011 07:17 PM
Tim Peterson
Wisconsin Realtor Safety and Concealed Carry Classes - Madison, WI
Realtor Safety Training Classes

I had never heard of these. I live in Wisconsin and there are always articles on the news about seasonal affective disorder, but this is the first I have read of a solution. Thanks for posting and I will reblog it

Jan 15, 2011 06:44 AM
Kathy Schowe
California Lifestyle Realty - La Quinta, CA
La Quinta, California 760-333-8886

WE are so lucky to get all the sunshine we need here in La Quinta!  When you get the drearies... come see us!  Kathy

Feb 09, 2011 03:59 PM
Lauren Bernstein
ActiveRain - Seattle, WA

Tim - Thanks for the reblog!

Kathy - I love California and spent time in Laguna Beach last year. I'm ready for my monthly dose of sun!

Feb 09, 2011 06:00 PM
Regina P. Brown
MBA Broker Consultants - Carlsbad, CA
M.B.A., Broker, Instructor

We don't have that problem here!  Since we're on the CA coast, my office has big, large windows and I get lots of natural sunlight every day.  I just need to make sure I get out of the office and get some "real" sunshine, which we usually do via a bicycle ride to the beach.  Everyone's not as blessed to live in such a nice area, and if so, the light therapy is absolutely wonderful. 

Jul 16, 2011 07:21 PM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

We all need the Sun ! Even if it's freezing outside , I've got to walk my dog 3-4 times ! I'll hang outside longer to ingest some Sun !

Feb 10, 2017 06:36 AM