If you’re anything like me, you’ve experienced the all-too-familiar afternoon slumps that come with less sunlight. Research1 backs me on this, showing that the sun can actually have a huge impact on our energy levels, as well as our mood, cognitive function, and our circadian rhythm. While you can find many sun lamps on the market, my tried-and-true is the Verilux HappyLight. Designed without the unnecessary bells and whistles seen on many other options, it’s a true budget-friendly pick that does exactly what it needs. Here’s why I’m obsessed. When added to your daily routine, these lamps “promote serotonin production and reduce melatonin production,” per a previous interview with mental-health-focused physician Lizz Kinyua, M.D. As a result, a 30-minute treatment is recommended by most experts first thing in the morning to maximize the benefits. So when an ad for the Verilux HappyLight appeared during a social media scroll, I was immediately drawn to the mood-boosting claims—who doesn’t want to overcome the winter blues? However, I quickly discovered so much more: a low-effort tool to lift my energy levels throughout the day. At first glance, the lamp appears bulky and heavy, but it’s actually incredibly lightweight and portable—which means it can easily be moved around my home throughout the day. Some days I put it on my standing desk, while others I move it over to the kitchen counter or nightstand. Wherever I place it, I can count on the lamp’s titling base to help better direct the light toward my face. While the brand (and experts) recommends using the lamp for 30 minutes per day when you wake up, I’ll often use it for shorter spurts throughout my afternoon when I’m most in need of a mood boost. I feel immediate results with a perkiness that’s almost equivalent to a cup of my favorite matcha.
