I Swear By The Verilux HappyLight To Boost My Energy All Winter — Here's Why

There's a lot to love about the arrival of autumn: gut-healthy pumpkin spice drinks, fall nail colors, cozy date nights, and cold weather, i.e., your built-in excuse to stay in and cook your favorite healthy meals. But the seasonal change also comes with a few not-so-pleasant side effects: dry skin, a more vulnerable immune system, and fewer hours of sunlight. And while I'd rather not endure any of these shifts, the last one is the worst.

If you're anything like me, you've experienced the all-too-familiar afternoon slumps that come with less sunlight. Research1 backs me on this, showing that the sun can actually have a huge impact on our energy levels, as well as our mood, cognitive function, and our circadian rhythm.

Unfortunately, the day doesn't stop when the sun goes down, which means I need another way to avoid the dreaded energy slump, and no natural solution works quite as well as a light therapy lamp aka a sun lamp.

A light therapy lamp mimics natural sunlight by emitting either bright white or warm light sans UV rays. Designed for bright light therapy—a promising treatment2 for seasonal mood changes and delayed circadian phases—the lamps emit light up to 10,000 lux to brighten your day (literally). 

As someone who feels the afternoon crash hit particularly hard this time of year—when the daylight starts to fade before the workday ends—I'm always looking for mood-boosting solutions. Some days I'm the type of person who can pop up for a midday yoga flow or sneak outside for an afternoon walk to reenergize, but let's be honest, these aren't necessarily the most practical habits.

The lamp features a large full-spectrum lens that mimics natural sunlight by delivering up to 10,000 lux on the highest setting, the standard lux2 for effective light therapy. The adjustable pick only emits white light but offers adjustable settings to personalize the intensity, starting at just 6,500 lux.

At first glance, the lamp appears bulky and heavy, but it's actually incredibly lightweight and portable—which means it can easily be moved around my home throughout the day. Some days I put it on my standing desk, while others I move it over to the kitchen counter or nightstand. Wherever I place it, I can count on the lamp's titling base to help better direct the light toward my face.