The summer time is usually a period of happiness and enjoyment. You spend more time outside in the sun and you just feel like you have more energy. There is a distinct drop in a great deal of people’s moods however as summer gives way to winter. Winter depression is something that doctors have to treat in lots of countries and around 8% of population in Europe have reportedly shown symptoms at least once. These include depression, sleeping problems and lethargy to name a few.  It is caused by a lack of sunlight in the winter months having an effect on the chemical balance in the brain. If light levels drop below a certain point, the eyes send a message to the brain which assumes it is night time and prepares the body for sleep by making you tired and weary.

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 also bedroom furniture are often the most important to get right as these are the rooms that we spend most of our time in. Getting 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. Another tip is to place reflective ornaments around the room such as crystal glass and mirrored objects, that further scatter light into darker areas.

A minimal approach to furniture is also a good idea as this helps open up rooms and reduces the feeling of being cluttered.Not only does less furniture been you won’t bump into stuff as much when you move around, but additionally the light that enters the room bumps into less things and this makes the room brighter. 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 dining table large enough for everyday use and taking away or adding chairs if and when you need them. In the kitchen you can reduce clutter to open up the space by storing away things like glass vases and pans when they are not in use.

No related posts.