10 Ways to Wake up and Wind Down with Comfortable Lighting

This is a sponsored post brought to you by Signify. As always, all opinions are my own.

Photos by Judy Walker Photography

As a blogger, I spend the majority of my time in front of screens, and as the years go by, the length of time I spend on a computer or phone has increased tenfold. Lately, I feel more strain on my eyes, and with screen time consuming a large portion of my day, I need to find time to wake up and wind down from my day screen-free. Have you ever noticed how light affects your day? Is it tough for you to wake up in a dark room vs one where the sunrise shines through your windows? If you haven’t, take notice. For me, it is much easier to wake up and feel energized with bright, white light and much easier to relax and unwind under a comforting, warm light. My husband and I are constantly battling between the types of light we like, and although he likes things bright and white all the time, I like to change the type of light up throughout the day.  I was so excited when I was asked to try out Philips SceneSwitch LED light bulbs and spread the word on eye comfort.

When we think of our health and wellness, does eye health come to the forefront of your mind? For most of us, probably not, but the more I pay attention to the comfort of my eyes throughout the day, the more I realize how important it is to take care of these eyeballs for the long term. I take mini breaks from the computer to shut my eyes, I try not to look at screens in dark rooms, and I keep my screen dimmed as much as possible throughout the day.  And who knew taking better care of yourself can be as easy as changing a light bulb?! I literally unscrewed the regular bulbs from my lamps and screwed in the Philips SceneSwitch LED bulbs. They offer the best light for daily activities at home, from workouts to cooking a healthy meal to family time and meditation. There are three light settings in one bulb. You simply flip your switch or lamp on, then off and on again to change the light setting. It is simple as 1,2, 3…literally!

Philips SceneSwitch LED bulbs can help you wake up and wind down from your day…the healthy way! Here’s how I use them:

In the morning, turn your light bulbs to daylight or soft white to help jumpstart your day! For me, doing some healthy things in bright light first thing in the morning helps me to tackle the day at hand. These include:

Sip tea or coffee before your family wakes up: “Me Time” is something I really need and crave as a new mom. The 15-20 minutes I get to myself most mornings are golden. It helps me center myself and take in the possibility of a new day. Try not to go for your computer or phone first thing in the morning. Turn up the lights, let the daylight in, sip slowly, and breathe.

Start a gratitude practice: Writing down what you are thankful for every morning and night is a great habit to start. It helps you appreciate the little things in your life like sunshine and a simple cup of coffee.

Take four minutes to perform a quick HIIT circuit: Pick four high intensity moves like squat jumps, burpees, jump lunges and high knees, and perform each exercise for 45 seconds with a 15-second rest. You will get a quick boost of energy and you can repeat the circuit if you find yourself with more time.

Make Healthy Choices: I like to start the day with a functional coffee or tea with cinnamon and honey before making a breakfast smoothie or a healthy breakfast. If you make healthy choices first thing in the morning, you will be more likely to do the same throughout the day.

Find Time to Just Be: The simple moments with my little family snuggling in bed or on the couch are my favorite. The in-between moments help me to recognize my WHY. Live in the moment and kick the screens to the curb during this time. It’s more important that you are present.

In the evenings, switch over to a warm glow to turn in for the night. I like to cook dinner and give the baby a bath in a warm glow light. Developing an evening routine helps you de-stress and get a better night’s sleep. Instead of turning on the television try:

Meditation or deep breathing: How often do you take time to just be? These days, not often. Take time to sit and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth and feel the stress of the day leave you.

Pick up a new book: I love reading. Reading stimulates the brain in a different way, and it is a great form of entertainment that does not disrupt your melatonin production.

Legs up the wall pose: Try light stretching, yoga or simply legs up the wall pose in the dim light. By doing so, you are allowing both your mind and body to relax and relieve stress and tension. By placing your legs up on the wall, you are also soothing your lower half and facilitating drainage and returning blood back to the heart.

Snuggle: Snuggling with people you love increases oxytocin, otherwise known as the “happiness hormone”. Snuggling also releases endorphins, and who doesn’t love a good rush of endorphins and a deeper connection with your loved ones?

Put your phone somewhere else: Plug your phone in across the room. This way, you will not be tempted to pick it up and disrupt your melatonin production or get distracted on social media.

If you take anything away from today’s blog, consider how light affects your daily activities. Consider Philips LEDs to adjust the light in your space during the morning, throughout the day as needed and at night. These lights are not only energy-efficient and long-lasting but they are also designed for the comfort of your eyes, allowing you to enjoy the activities you love, for longer. I would also recommend taking daily screen breaks by resting your eyes for short periods throughout the day, purchasing a pair of blue light-eliminating glasses and scheduling regular check-ups with an eye specialist.

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