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Can Light Therapy Boost Your Mood? We Tested This 'HappyLight' to Find Out
Winter got you in a slump? These lights are a bright idea!
Courtesy of Amanda Mushro
Winter weather really does a number on my mental health. The cold temperatures and the dark afternoons (why is it pitch black at 5:00?) instantly give me the winter blues. It’s enough to make anyone long for sunny summer days spent outside. This year, I’ve decided to take action early in the season to see if light therapy can help boost my mood.
To bring a little sunshine into my winter days, I’m trying Verilux’s HappyLights. They’ve got several versions of their lights like the HappyLight Halo and the HappyLight Lumi Plus, so you can choose a light that works best for you. Keep reading to find out if a little more light is boosting my mood this winter.
How Does the HappyLight Work?
HappyLights are designed to mimic natural daylight, which is thought to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), boost mood, and improve focus. The lights use UV-free LED technology, and emit bright light at 10,000 lux, which is considered the gold standard for light therapy. The idea is simple: exposure to bright light can positively impact your body’s circadian rhythm and promote the release of serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone.
The HappyLight Halo is the fancier option, with a sleek design and customizable brightness settings. It also includes a timer and an adjustable color temperature, so you can choose between a cool, energizing light or a warm, cozy glow. The HappyLight Lumi Plus, on the other hand, is compact and more straightforward, but still delivers that same powerful 10,000 lux brightness.
Courtesy of Amanda Mushro
Courtesy of Amanda Mushro
Testing It Out
I started by placing the HappyLight Halo on my desk, where I spend most of my day. Even though I have a lot of natural light in my office, I instantly loved the extra light from the Halo. It was so easy to set up — literally just plug it in and I loved that it came with a timer, so I didn’t have to worry about accidentally overusing it. I set it to 30 minutes and let it shine while I worked on my laptop.
Courtesy of Amanda Mushro
Courtesy of Amanda Mushro
I noticed a difference almost immediately: the soft glow felt great and it brightened up my workspace in a way that didn’t feel harsh or overwhelming. And after using it daily for over a week, I felt more energized and less sluggish, especially in the afternoons. The consistent light therapy made my workspace feel inviting, and it helped me power through the winter gloom with a clearer mind and better focus.
I also loved how versatile the Halo was — thanks to its magnetic stand, I could easily adjust it to different angles depending on where I needed light. I found myself moving it around the house throughout the day — on my desk in the morning, on the kitchen counter while I made lunch, and even on a side table while I read in the evening. It’s such a flexible tool that fit seamlessly into my routine.
Pros
- Customizability: The lights have brightness and color temperature are fantastic for tailoring the light to your preferences.
- Ease of Use: The lights are plug-and-play so there’s nothing complicated about setting up and using.
- Portability: The compact size makes it easy to move around the house or take with you to the office.
- Effectiveness: After just a few days of use, I felt noticeably more alert and less sluggish during my least favorite time of year.
Cons
- Limited Range: You need to sit relatively close to the light to get the full benefits, which might not work for everyone’s setup.
- Brightness Sensitivity: If you’re sensitive to light, even the lowest setting might take some getting used to.
Bottom Line
If winter weather and early sunsets leave you feeling down, Verilux HappyLights are worth considering. The HappyLight Halo is an excellent choice if you want all the customizable features. And for a simpler, more budget-friendly option, the HappyLight Lumi Plus delivers just as much brightness in a smaller package.
After a week of use, I’m already noticing a boost in my energy and mood. While light therapy isn’t a magic cure-all, it’s certainly helping me feel more like myself during these dreary winter months. And honestly? Anything that makes me look forward to getting out of bed on a cold, dark morning is a win in my book.
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