Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a very common condition that impacts the life of more than 3 million people each year. Symptoms are similar to those of depression: low energy levels, feelings of sadness, and other mood changes. These symptoms generally resolve with the return of longer daylight hours in the spring or summer, but that knowledge doesn’t really help now, when it’s getting dark before dinnertime.
There are a number of strategies experts suggest to reduce the impact of SAD. One of these is to maximize the amount of natural daylight you’re exposed to throughout the course of the day. Increasing numbers of people are working from home in Massachusetts, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that up to 25% of people perform some or all of their career duties at home. If you’re in that group, you want to be sure that you’re making the most of whatever sunshine is available during the work day.
Here’s where your home’s windows come in. If your windows are leaky, cracked or in poor repair, they’re going to let the cold winter wind. You will experience this as a chilly draft or uncomfortably cold room. The logical response is often to shut the curtains or drapes, relying on indoor light for illumination and staying warm. However, this does mean you’re not getting the vital natural daylight needed to offset the impact of seasonal affective disorder.
Replacing leaking, older windows with modern energy efficient replacement windows means you’ll be able to use your home office without closing the drapes. More natural light will get in, and you can also get the boost to the spirits that can come from having an unobstructed view of your local scenery. When you choose to have replacement windows installed in your Pembroke home, you’ll also save money on home heating costs, which can boost your spirits!