Light therapy, solar shades may help lift spirits

Sunlight is in short supply during the winter, which makes any kind of light even more important. Recently, a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that the right kind of artificial lighting might help improve one's mood, particularly among older adults, according to WebMD.com.

Bright light therapy, which is traditionally used for those with seasonal affective disorder, was applied to one test group among 89 senior citizens. The test consisted of placing a box that reflected pale, blue light near older adults.

The researchers discovered that symptoms of depression decreased by 54 percent among these participants.

"Bright light treatment may provide a viable alternative for patients who refuse, resist, or do not tolerate antidepressant treatment," researcher Ritsaert Leiverse, MD, wrote in the journal, according to the news source.

Sunlight itself can produce vitamin D, which may help fight depression as well, according to The Vitamin D Council. Consequently, homeowners may also want to consider alternative window treatments in their abodes to boost spirits. Solar shades allow sunlight into a room, but also eliminate glare. This could be ideal for those who are looking to add a soft, calming radiance to a room.