LIFESTYLE NEWS - Whether artificial or natural, lighting has an effect on various aspects of our lives. 

"Most people don't realise that the various colour temperatures we experience throughout the day form part and parcel of every decision we make," says Thando Dladla, marketing and communications director for Philips Lighting SA. "For instance, if you go to a store that is well lit, you are more likely to purchase an item from that store than a poorly lit store." 

Here are four ways to ensure the lighting in your home works for you:
Boost productivity

If you work from home, you can use lighting to boost your productivity.

According to a study, higher colour temperatures (7500 K compared to 3000 K, for instance) result in higher mental activity. Therefore, cooler light makes one more productive. LED lighting sources, which boast a high-correlated colour temperature (17000 K), should help boost your sense of well-being, and work performance. 

Boost self-confidence

Think about the kind of lighting you have in the area you get to dress and do your makeup in. Good lighting can enhance your best features. It can make getting dressed up fun and give you that glow that will instantly lift your spirits. 

"Try using vertical and linear light fixtures that would be well-positioned throughout the room to complement your general lighting," advises Dladla. 

Improve sleep

Sleep is necessary to re-energise and, when you're sleep deprived, it can affect your mood. Luc Schlangen, Philips Research light and sleep scientist, has found that a specific quality of light not only regulates our internal body clock, but can actually reset it each day. 

"Exposure to blue-rich morning light can speed up our circadian rhythm, which will lead to you waking up earlier and improved daily functioning. However, you also need to have an intake of warm white light a few hours before going to sleep to induce melatonin, which helps control your sleep-wake cycles," says Dladla. 

During the day, you might not have control over lighting - be it natural or artificial - but if your office space is dark, try occasionally sitting outside to get that natural light and brightness guaranteed to improve your mood. 

Get festive

It's the time of the year when malls and homes are illuminated with Christmas decorations. This year, play around with dew drop fairy string lights in multiple or single-colour lighting or light up the outside of your home with colour-changing spotlights. The most cost-effective and energy efficient indoor Christmas lights are LED fairy lights. 

Remember, light isn't only functional, it can be fun too and the only limit is your imagination. 

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