Banish the Winter Blues with Natural Light

Improving your home to improve your mood

It's that time of year again: Are you starting to feel sad as the long winter sets in? SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a common occurrence during the winter season, even for those of us who are normally happy.

By letting in the natural light - or, as much as you can get during the shorter days - you might begin to feel happier. At least, you might feel less sad. To let in more natural light:

• Take advantage of south-facing windows by opening curtains to let in natural light while you are home.
• Hang sheer curtains to let in more natural light, while maintaining some of your privacy.
• Install skylights and sun tunnels to bring light into the home through the ceiling. Plus, you will save money on electricity and heating costs.

These are just a few of the ways you can banish the winter blues with natural light. Read this article on ways to bring natural light into the home for more ideas.

Copyright: Muffet / http://www.flickr.com/photos/calliope/

Other ways to banish the winter blues with home improvement:

• Rearrange furniture for a fresh perspective in your home.
• Buy something new, even if it is inexpensive: artwork, a vase, flowers, a rug, or even a candle. 
• Add a splash of color to the living area, from a vibrant set of curtains to a new wall paint color.

What do you do to lift your spirits in the dead of winter, when SAD begins to set in?