We all know that external factors affect our emotions. For example, if your partner is having a bad day, you’re likely to start feeling a little down in the dumps, too. But did you know that even something as simple as lighting can play a role in how you feel?
Continue reading to learn how lights affect our emotions:
- Bright light heightens emotions: Bright light can swing our feelings positively and negatively. A 2014 study showed that people felt stronger emotions towards words, appearances and even the taste of spicy chicken when the lights were brighter in the testing room than when they were dimmer.
- Blue light energizes us: Blue light can give us an extra boost of energy and make us feel more alert. Sunlight is the main source of blue light, which is why we start perking up as the sun rises and start to get sleepy as the sun sets; however, this is a double-edged sword, as blue light from smartphones and computers can suppress melatonin production and make it harder to sleep at night.
- Natural light can make us happier: If you’ve ever felt happier when you’re outside on a sunny day, you’re not alone. Studies show that natural sunlight boosts our moods, gives us more energy, helps us sleep better at night and even relieves some signs of depression.
- Light can affect our appetites: Lighting can even play a role in how much we eat, how fast we eat and even how foods taste. We tend to eat more slowly and consume less food in restaurants with softer and lower lighting. On the flip side, we also tend to eat less-healthy food in darker areas. This could be due to the fact that we’re more relaxed and less likely to think about our food selections.
Consider upgrading your office lighting today
Anyone who’s ever worked in an office will tell you that the lighting can be a real drag. Those bright fluorescent lights aren’t too flattering and can even cause eye strain throughout the day. Here are a few reasons to think about replacing office lighting:
- Improve office morale: Ideally, every office would have plenty of windows to let in soothing natural light, but that’s not always a possibility. By incorporating softer light in the office, you can set employees’ minds at ease and make everyone feel a bit more relaxed throughout the day.
- Reduce monthly energy bills: Start with your lighting if you’re looking to save some money on your electric bills. Switching to soft LED lighting can help reduce eye strain and save you big bucks throughout the year.
- Bring your office into the 21st century: Automated lighting that turns off after hours of inactivity or lights that can be controlled via your smartphone are 21st-century advancements that can also help lower your energy bills and modernize your building.
Talk to our team at Box Electric Company if you’ve decided that replacing office lighting is right for you. We specialize in upgrading and renovating commercial lighting to meet our clients’ needs. Contact us today to get an estimate for our services.