Lighting That Helps You Focus and Feel Better

TL;DR

• Use a mix of natural, task, and accent lighting for comfort and focus
• Adjust brightness and color temperature throughout the day
• Take breaks to rest your eyes and use fidget tools as reminders
• Try a mood lamp or busy light for flexible lighting and focus cues
• Use a SAD lamp if you need extra daylight simulation

Do you end your workday with tired eyes, a headache, or feeling drained? Your lighting might be the culprit – and the simple changes we'll share could help you feel better and get more done.

The right lighting doesn't just help you see better – it can actually improve your mood, energy, and focus. Studies show good lighting can boost productivity by up to 20% while cutting eye strain in half. But the best news? Creating better lighting is something anyone can do, often with what you already have.

How lighting affects how you feel and work

Light does much more than help us see:

• It tells your body when to be alert and when to wind down
• It affects your mood and energy throughout the day
• It can either strain or comfort your eyes depending on how it's set up
• It influences how well you sleep at night (which affects tomorrow's workday)

Think about how you feel in a sunny room versus a dim, fluorescent-lit space. That difference isn't just preference – it's your body responding to different types of light.

Simple ways to improve your workspace lighting

You don't need an expensive overhaul to see big improvements. Here are some easy changes to make:

1. Make the most of natural light

Natural light is the gold standard for both your mood and your eyes:

• Position your desk near (but not directly facing) a window
• Use sheer curtains to soften harsh direct sunlight
• Try a small mirror to reflect light into darker corners

If you can't control your lighting at work, taking short breaks to look at something in the distance can help your eyes recover. Some people find that having a fidget tool like the Fidget Cube with Case reminds them to look away from their screen regularly.

2. Layer different types of light

The best lighting setups combine different light sources:

1. Overall room lighting – but not too harsh or too dim
2. Task lighting – a good desk lamp that shines on your work, not your screen
3. Accent lighting – small lights that reduce contrast and make the room feel balanced

3. Match your lighting to the time of day

Your body expects different light at different times:

• Morning: Brighter, bluer light helps you wake up and focus
• Midday: Moderate, neutral lighting maintains concentration
• Afternoon/evening: Warmer, softer light helps you wind down

Many people find that color-changing lights like the LED Desk Mood Lamp or a Moon Lamp make it easy to adjust your lighting throughout the day without needing multiple lamps.

Solutions for common lighting problems

"My office has harsh overhead fluorescents I can't control"
Add your own small lamp with warmer light, use a monitor with a blue light filter, and take regular breaks outside if possible.

"My home office is in a dark corner with little natural light"
Try full-spectrum bulbs that mimic natural light, position mirrors to bounce light around, and take breaks to move to brighter areas of your home.

When dealing with challenging lighting conditions, many people find that the Vertical Busy Light provides a pleasant source of light in their peripheral vision while also signaling to others when they need to focus. For those who need extra daylight, a SAD Lamp can help simulate natural sunlight and boost mood.

How to know if your lighting is working for you

After improving your lighting, you should notice:

• Fewer headaches and less eye strain
• More consistent energy throughout the day
• Better sleep at night
• A more positive mood while working

Create a workspace that helps you thrive

Lighting is one of those things we often don't think about until it's causing problems. But with a few thoughtful adjustments, you can create a space that helps you feel more energized, focused, and comfortable.

Imagine ending your workday feeling accomplished instead of drained, with energy left for the things you enjoy. The right lighting can be a big part of making that happen.

Popular lighting options our community loves

Looking for the right lights to improve your workspace? Our community recommends:

• LED Desk Mood Lamp: Adjustable colors for different moods and times of day, portable and stylish.
• Compact Busy Light: Combines practical status signaling with a pleasant light source.
• SAD Lamp: Mimics natural daylight to help reduce eye strain and support energy.
• Moon Lamp: Adds a calming, decorative glow to your workspace.
• Friendship Lamp: A gentle, color-changing lamp that helps remote workers feel connected.

A brighter way to work

The right lighting makes your workspace feel good to be in. Try these suggestions and see what works for you – everyone's preferences are a little different. We'd love to hear what lighting solutions have helped you feel better while you work!