In today’s time, when people have returned from work to home and started going to the office again, this change is not easy for many employees. Especially for those who have become accustomed to working from home amid open sky, fresh air, and natural light. In such an environment, the mind also remains happy, and the energy level also remains better. But when these same people are now being called back to closed rooms, tube lights, and offices without windows, only one question arises in their mind – does natural light affect our mood and mental state?
The answer to this question is – yes, it affects. And this is not just a matter of experience, but a scientifically proven fact.
Scientific View: Effect of Natural Light
Research conducted in the last several years confirms that natural light is very important for our physical and mental health. When a person spends time in daylight, many positive changes take place in their body. Mood improves, stress reduces, and sleep quality improves.
According to research, when office workers were asked what facility they would like the most in their workplace, no one asked for a gym, cafe, or a comfortable chair – instead, everyone asked for ‘natural light’ and ‘a view of the outside’ first.
This clearly shows that even in today’s fast-paced life, the basic needs of a human being are the same – sunlight, open sky, and some freshness.
Windowless offices: Direct impact on health
In an interesting study, women were put to work in two different offices – one office had large windows, which allowed plenty of light. The other office was completely closed, where only artificial lights were used. After some time, when the health of both these groups was analyzed, it was found that depression, sleep problems, and mood-related problems were much higher in women working in the windowless office.
The level of melatonin (a sleep and mood-controlling hormone) in their body had become unbalanced, and stress hormones were found in high amounts.
This proves that the absence of natural light can cause not only eye fatigue but also mental and hormonal imbalances.
UK research: Every hour of sunlight = every hour less depression
A large study conducted in the UK included more than 5 lakh people, whose age was between 37 and 73 years. These people were asked how much time they spent outside in the sun every day. On average, people were in the sun for 2.5 hours per day.
People who spent more time in the sun every day saw many positive changes in their mental health, such as reduced chances of depression, improved mood, and increased happiness levels.
The most important thing was that these benefits were related only to light and had no relation to the person’s lifestyle, social status, or economic class. This means that whether someone is rich or middle class, in the city or the town, sunlight is beneficial for everyone.
Why is natural light important?
Natural light affects our sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). As soon as the morning light shines, our body recognizes that it is morning. Hormones are discharged in correct amounts, which keep us lively, attentive, and help us stay moving all morning.
So, if we are inside all day, our body may not notice the difference between day and night, which can cause us to feel more stressed and troubled.
What if there is no window in the office?
Not everyone has the option of changing their office or installing a window, butsome small measures cann make the situation better:
- Keep a desk lamp with a full-spectrum bulb:
This bulb gives light similar to daylight, which gives relief to the eyes and brain. - Take a walk outside during breaks:
Spend a few minutes outside under the open sky during lunchtime or teatime. - Sit or walk for a while in the sun before going to the office in the morning:
Getting sunlight early in the day will make the whole day better. - Keep small plants on your desk:
- Seeing greenery also gives mental peace.
- Do outdoor activities on weekends:
- On your day off, go to the park, walk in the mountains, or sit in a garden – this can make up for the whole week.
Connecting with nature is important for mental peace
Both our body and mind are connected to nature. As soon as we distance ourselves from it, restlessness, stress, and fatigue gradually start increasing in life.
Besides giving the body vitamin D, being exposed to natural light is important for your mental well-being. Being in the sun causes the body to make serotonin, which improves your mood and helps combat depression.
Be sure to spend at least one hour in the sun, no matter if you are at work, at home, or traveling.
Conclusion
Natural light is a powerful tool for our mental and physical health. Many scientific studies and experiences have proved that time spent in sunlight improves mood, reduces depression, and improves sleep quality. Even if the office environment is limited, we can take advantage of it by taking small measures. We have to include some sunlight and an open environment in our lives every day, because connecting with nature is the real key to mental peace.
