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| Photo source from: twenty20.com |
Often you joke to your office colleagues if you want to go home early because, "I want to feel the sun when I leave the office." FYI, natural light is very important for your life, not to mention when you are behind an office wall. Here's why...
Brightens Your Mood
Tasks pile up, deadlines haunt you, and your desk is far from the window—three things that can impact your mood and productivity. Okay, Cosmo admits that exposure to natural light is not the main solution, but at least it can help enhance your mood. "Our study uncovers the fact that exposure to light—especially in the morning—is profoundly beneficial for mood, alertness, health, and metabolism," says Phyllis Zee, MD, a neurologist at Northwestern Medicine University and lead author of the study. And your cubicle is in the middle of the office— no wonder you're so moody !
Makes You Sleep Better
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep, employees whose desks are near windows receive 173% more exposure to white light during working hours and get on average 46% longer sleep—and better sleep quality. better—compared to those who received no natural light at all while in the office. And because you sleep longer then more energy is stored. That's why, the study also revealed the fact that employees who are exposed to natural light have more physical activity.
Affects Your Health You
don't need to sunbathe on your office balcony to reap the benefits—indirect light is great for your health too. "Light is the most important synchronizing agent for the brain and body," says Ivy Cheung, a neuroscience expert at Northwestern. "The proper synchronization of internal biological rhythms with the Earth's rotation has been shown to be essential for health." It's time to come over to the light, ladies !
Saves Energy
If you are in a leadership or architectural position, be aware that exposure to natural light will help your employees' productivity. Plus, it's a very “green” thing to do. "Architects today must be more aware of the importance of natural lighting not only in terms of energy savings but also from the effect it has on workers," said Mohamed Boubekri, Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Illinois.
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