Bright Light Therapy - What is it and Why Use It?

Bright Light Therapy has been extensively researched and clinically studied for the last twenty years, with major implications on one's mental and physical health status, specifically symptoms associated with depression.  After some in-depth research, FitRiss was motivated to put what she has learned into practical use for those who truly need it.  Here are the benefits of Bright Light Therapy, and why it should be used in combination with early to mid-morning exercise-

It decreases the following:

1. Sleep Disorders
2. Fatigue
3. Lack of Concentration
4. Depression - specifically Winter Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

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Why Do You Need it?
As we head into and endure winter, very little time is spent in sunlight - the days get shorter, and much of our time is spent indoors.  The changing work environment has also left many to be deprived of this natural stimulate because, historically, much work had been done outside. As we switch from the Industrial Age to the Conceptual Age, a huge shift has occurred and now most work can, and is, being done indoors. What does this mean in terms of your health? Your body responds by producing the 'sleepy hormone', Melatonin, which is only produced during the evening hours when your brain processes darkness. It tells you to slow down, and helps induce sleep.  What would this imply if it's being produced during the day? Can you think of how it would affect your daily activities? Including productivity at work, performance in sport, family/friend time, and personal well-being? Fatigue carries many burdens, and can be especially prominent just before, during, and even just after the winter months when the weather changes and darkness is at its all time high. 

Why Exercise Then?
Exercise in combination with this therapy is an energy double whammy!  Exercise induces the production of our 'happy hormones' that gives us energy, and is even as potent as many energy drinks in increasing alertness. It is needed more than ever before as we see this huge influx of desk-ridden career fields and job responsibilities. 

Conclusion:
Introducing light back into your day, while also combining it with exercise, will suppress that mood-dampening hormone that is so prevalent in this dark region of the world. By doing so, you can increase your productivity at work, performance in sport, or your own personal self-worth. Let's not forget the other added benefits of exercise mentioned above!

Still confused? Have more questions? Concerns? Don't be afraid to comment or contact me directly!