How Windows Impact Mood and Productivity

Illuminating Your Space for Enhanced Mood and Productivity

As you’ve probably noticed, mental health and wellbeing have taken the spotlight. For some, it’s a propaganda stunt. But for those who really do struggle, one of the things that gets overlooked time and time again that is a huge natural resource: sunlight. Of course, we all know that its most practical function is illumination, but natural light has also been proven to boost mood and productivity. It’s true! Exposure to natural light can transform our home and work spaces from dingy and sad to warm, happy, and as a byproduct of that, efficient. 

The Science of Sunlight

The human body is so cool. It has taken millions of years for us to develop and evolve. One of the things that evolution gifted us is our circadian rhythm or our sleep-wake cycle. For most of us, this sleep-wake cycle is in sync with the natural rhythms of day and night. When you are exposed to sunlight, it triggers your body to produce serotonin, the “feel good” hormone. This hormone is essential in regulating mood. Vitamin D production also spikes, which is a key vitamin for bone health and immune function.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, low sunlight exposure along with excessive use of artificial light at night messes with that natural sleep-wake rhythm. That can lead to all sorts of issues including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. One of the most noticeable mood disorders that arise from this disruption in circadian rhythms is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). All of these contribute to feelings of disinterest, sluggishness, constant tiredness, and burnout. 

Enhancing Productivity

The mood-boosting effects of natural light correlate with heightened levels of productivity and cognitive function. Within the workplace, studies have shown that workers who have naturally lit spaces are reportedly more satisfied with their work, have lower stress levels, and increased productivity and efficiency. Beyond the workplace, natural light has a similar effect in that it boosts focus, creativity, and motivation. 

Illuminating Your Space

To combat this over-exposure to artificial light and under-exposure to natural light, we’ve compiled a list of things to think about as you either build your home or remodel.

• Optimize Window Placement

  • When building your space, make sure to place your windows to allow plenty of natural light throughout the day. South-facing windows typically receive the most sunlight.

• • However, we do know that most people can’t decide where their windows are placed, such as those who live in a home that is already built. To help with this we offer a wide variety of windows that come in all sorts of styles and shapes to help bring in the natural light.

• Minimize Obstructions:

  • This one is such a simple thing, but it helps exponentially. Keep your window clear of heavy curtains or drapes, as well as furniture. Anything that would block sunlight from entering your home is a big no-no. Instead, we suggest shear curtains or retractable blinds. 
  • This applies to anything that can block sunlight from outside your windows, as well. Such as bushes, trees, ivy, etc. Don’t forget the man-made blockers too like: awnings, signs, and AC units.

• Reflective Surfaces:

  • So we learned this one from the Ancient Egyptians. Have you ever seen the Mummy with Brendan Fraser? Well, when they go down into the ruins of Hamunaptra, Evie angles mirrors to capture the sunlight from outside and it lights up the space. The same is true for your space. Use mirrors or light-colored walls to “bounce” natural light off of, which will in turn make your space brighter and more spacious feeling. 

• Skylights:

  • For those of you, who either need to take it a step further or traditional windows just aren’t enough, consider installing skylights. Skylights bring in light from above your space, which allows light to enter almost all day, chasing away the shadows from even the darkest corners.

• Outdoor Spaces:

  • There’s only so much natural light you can soak up being inside. We suggest spending some time outdoors, so you can get the full range of benefits. Outdoor spaces such as patios, decks, or gardens are perfect for just relaxing and enjoying the fresh air. 
  • Now if you live in an area where you get all four seasons, sometimes those outdoor spaces aren’t all that comfortable. We have a solution for this as well, sunrooms. It gives you that outdoor vibe, but you can still use it even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Bring The Light In

We are so lucky to have the ability and opportunity to make our lives better. Something so simple as proper exposure to sunlight and voila, we are happier and healthier. Allow us to help you transform your space into the haven that you need. So, let there be light—natural light, that is—in your home. Schedule a free estimate today and be one step closer to making your home and your life a little bit brighter.