Can Christmas Lights Make You Happier?
Knowing the holiday season is about to start is enough to put some people in a good mood. For others, their happy barometer doesn't go up until that first peppermint mocha or hearing the radio switch over to Christmas songs. Other than waiting for Mariah Carey and Michael Buble to defrost and carry us through the New Year with their holiday songs, can looking at Christmas lights make you a happier person? Here is what you should know.
Christmas Lights Are Calming
It's that instantaneous feeling you get when you walk into your home and kick your shoes off. Or the feeling of sinking into your favorite spot on the couch. Seeing Christmas lights gives you that melting reaction that relaxes your body. When you see the twinkles, you get an instant hit of dopamine, which is that happy chemical that makes you feel like you could do anything for about five minutes, and all is right with the world.
Christmas Lights and Your Mental Health
If you feel sad or down, Christmas lights may be the answer. They can't cancel out depression, but looking at Christmas lights would improve your overall mood and well-being. This is why people tell you to put your Christmas lights up when you want and take them down when you want.
Use Christmas Lights to Feel Better
If you meditate, sitting in front of the tree and using the lights as your spot for meditation could enhance your experience. If that works, hang lights in your room or other living area to get that sense of calm, serene happiness. If you put some in your room or office, you could leave them up all year and turn them on when you need that happiness boost.
Christmas Lights Bring People Together
Have you noticed people always ask you when you put your lights up? What would you say if someone said they don't put up lights? You would want to know why they didn't and how they decorate instead. Putting up Christmas lights not only makes us feel good but our neighbors and friends. Christmas lights have been around since the late 1800s and have become the shining star of the holidays for a reason. Everyone loves Christmas lights.
The Colors Are Soothing
The colors you pick for your Christmas lights play a factor in how they make you feel. Through what is known as color therapy, these lights can give you more energy and make you have feelings of safety and joy.
All Ages Love Christmas Lights
Did your parents drive you around the good neighborhoods to look at lights? Do you still do that for yourself or your family? We are drawn to the lights and the feelings of nostalgia and comfort they bring. Kids love to see the holiday displays and light shows and it brings the adults such joy to watch those kids enjoy the holiday spirit so much. It's just a cycle of positive energy.
If you haven't put up lights in a while, haven't driven through a neighborhood with a cup of hot chocolate to look at lights or haven't felt in the holiday spirit yourself lately, take the time this season to at least put some strands up around your home. You will appreciate how Christmas lights can make you happy just by being there. We all could use a little pick-me-up, so let the season's decorations do that for you.
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