The SAD light of wonder and happiness
Have you ever heard of a SAD light? It is a light that mimics the sun that people use in the early morning in order to improve mood and energy levels. Skeptical? I certainly was. The first reason why I was skeptical is because I had never heard of anyone in Sweden using one. The second is because I had this idea in my head that it was a huge fixture in someone's house and I had never seen anything like that in Sweden-- therefore it was a mythical creature similar to unicorns and smurfs.
I am here to preach the good word of the SAD light and to debunk some myths. I'm southern-- we're evangelical by nature -- so just roll with it.
1. MYTH ONE: NO ONE IN SWEDEN USES A SAD LIGHT.
Ok maybe it is true that not very many Swedes use SAD lights, but there are tons of other people who use them. The first I heard of people using them in Sweden was through an expat Facebook group. I had posted something along the lines of "Hey guys, I'm feeling down. What cheers you up here?" and to my surprise quite a few men responded with things like "eating a bowl of popcorn while watching a movie" and even "I use a SAD light 30 minutes in the morning".
Yes, men. Somehow this made a difference to me. If a MAN could admit to using a SAD light, then perhaps it was worth investigating. Perhaps horrible logic that is gender-biased, but it got me curious.
Also, lots of people in Scotland use SAD lights. I found an article by NHS in the UK that stated that the effects of SAD are quite real for many people, but especially those in cold, wet, damp, dark environments. James Bond does not live in Scotland-- he travels the world usually in light-filled, beautiful locales. This also made a difference.
2. MYTH TWO: SAD LIGHTS TAKE UP SPACE.
I have no idea why this idea was in my head. I suppose I imagined grow lights rigged up in a greenhouse and how cluttered and ugly this looks. I couldn't imagine having a lamp in my house that was ugly and nasty. Then I discovered that the SAD lights can be small and portable as well. This knowledge helped. Below are a variety of lights available. Mine tucks away into a carrying case and goes into the medicine cabinet when it is not being used.
3. MYTH THREE: SAD LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. ANY EFFECT IS A PLACEBO.
After using my light for only 30 minutes in the morning, I feel a HUGE difference. It began as a little sensation that reminded me of the excitement one might feel before going to a birthday party or something fun. Later on in the day I realized that I have so much energy! Before, when I thought about chores that I had to get done, I sighed and wanted to go back to sleep. Now I find myself vacuuming, doing the dishes, and completing my work tasks with greater ease. Hell yeah! Even if it is a placebo, I DON'T CARE. How I felt before completely sucked. How I feel now rules.
I just want others to know that this actually really worked. I was so skeptical when people suggested it to me. It's true that it is just the first day, but holy hell, the result is DRAMATIC. The unicorn is real folks.
