Let There Be Light!
God, this writing every single day thing doesn’t give a girl much time to think of something interesting to post.
I mentioned before that I bought an Apollo GoLight lightbox because I was convinced I has Seasonal Affective Disorder after I spent two weeks feeling very flat and anxious. Eventually, the mood lifted but I had already paid for the lightbox. I did a little reading and took a quiz on the Apollo website which said I might have a circadian rhythm disorder because I am always tired in the morning and then have a lot more energy when I am supposed to go to bed.
Following the personalized treatment plan, yesterday at 8:30 I cranked up my GoLight to 30% capacity and sat in front of it for about 30 minutes.
Oh. My. God. Lightbox, where have you been all my life??
I didn’t notice anything while I was in front of the light. Then I went to watch TV. I managed to sit there for about three minutes before I was so overwelmed by energy that I was compelled to get up and clean the house. And then I cleaned the house some more. And some more. Then I made 8-10 phone calls I have been avoiding for MONTHS. Then I started organizing the cesspool office that has been filling with detritus for the past three or four months. Then, a mere two hours later, I picked up M. We went out to lunch, to vote and to the library. Then we came home so I could clean some more. Once I found out about the referrals, I revved up into being positively MANIC.
Is the lightbox shining crack into my pupils?
And another amazing thing? I was tired around 9:00. I wanted to go to bed and when I layed down I actually fell asleep. I usually stay up until after midnight and then lay there tossing and turning for hours.
This morning I woke up pretty easily (very unusual). I decided the full 30 minutes might be a bit much, so I only did 15 minutes in front of the box. It wasn’t quite as dramatic, but I did feel more energetic today. And I did more cleaning.
I am not discounting the possibility that the increased energy could be totally psychosomatic, but I don’t care. I will take it.
Lightbox, I love you.
November 9th, 2006 at 2:42 am
I used a lightbox in grad school. It got me through my dissertation…
I heard of a study once that said even shining a high intensity light on the back of people’s *knees* helped, but I don’t know if the study was a good one or if it was replicated.
November 9th, 2006 at 3:33 am
DUDE. Where did you get it and how much did it cost?
I. must. have one.
November 9th, 2006 at 4:03 am
Dude, it was like…sunny and 88 today (where I live). I have a light box. It’s called the SUN. heh.
November 9th, 2006 at 4:19 am
First, I hate Johnny. Hate of course meaning I’m just very very jealous that wherever he lives it was 88 degrees today. It poured here today and I was half suicidal.
I think I want a light box. It sounds so… pretty.
November 9th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
sounds like a real effect to me. I also live where the sun shines almost every day and I know I’d need a box if we moved somewhere else. YOU GO GIRL!
November 9th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
I’m so curious about those things! I HATE it when it gets dark so early.
November 9th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
I went to the website and also failed the circadian rhythm test. I am seriously getting one of these babies. If it’ll give me energy and help me feel less depressed, it’s worth any amount of money. Thanks for being our guinea pig.
November 9th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
Meanwhile, try to get out when it is light and take a vigorous walk for 30 minutes…that what my shrink told me to do (kind of helps!)
November 9th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
Wow. That’s a heck of a testimonial. Keep us posted!
November 10th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
Yes, please do keep us posted. I can’t afford one just now anyway, but if it keeps having such great effects on you, I’ll put it on my list for future consideration.
November 10th, 2006 at 6:31 pm
I have the same problem…going to check out the website now.
December 4th, 2006 at 2:10 am
I was wondering if the light box is still working for you? I’m thinking about getting one but its a lot of money. Care to update? Even a sentence or two would be great!
Thanks!!
November 15th, 2008 at 1:06 am
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