Let the Light In

MADISON QUINN

Days may be getting shorter but course loads haven’t lessened any. Now would be the perfect time for everyone’s motivation to naturally kick into overdrive, but sometimes it’s necessary to manually switch gears. Even though most dorm rooms double as classrooms this year, it’s still possible to make the most of your space with the one thing everyone has at their disposal: natural light.

good morning, sunshine

It’s easy to slip into a slump when there’s no light to wash over your unmotivated mood. Time and time again, sunlight shows how mentally and physically beneficial it can be. Bite the bullet and flip open the shades first thing in the morning.The sunshine will keep your brain alert enough to push through morning classes and skip the post-lunch power nap. While you’re busy typing away and making the most of your time, notice the hidden powers of a little sunlight. Natural light reduces eye strain and the presence of headaches—two common side effects of a day spent doing schoolwork online. Computer screens commonly produce dry and tired eyes. Combat the blue light with a golden one and your mind and body will thank you.

Added bonus: the movement of the sun across the sky creates an ever-changing ambiance for your study session.

a lightbulb moment

No windows? No problem! Make full spectrum light bulbs your new best friend. They may be artificial, but these light bulbs mimic the sun by producing the entire visible light spectrum. Pop them into your lamps and ceiling lights to reap the benefits of having natural sunlight—minus the UV damage.

trick of the light

Break down those four walls and open up your space without having to call Chip and Jo. Swap that outdated poster for a wall mirror and allow the feeling of confinement to melt away. Mirrors bounce light and dial up your room’s brightness a few notches, providing the illusion of space where there isn’t any. It might take a couple rounds of Command Strips to pinpoint the best angle for reflecting light without blinding yourself, but the radiant end result is worth it. Giving yourself space to breathe and work helps expand your mind and introduces possibility. Needless to say, the sun has never met a mirror it didn’t like.

get the green light

This new abundance of light is bound to keep your room glowing from wall to wall. Why not add some extra life to make the most of it? Household plants never go out of style and add more than just a pop of color. Proven to enhance air quality, encourage mental clarity, and lower stress levels, indoor plants deserve more credit. Their presence alone may pave the way to your next academic breakthrough. Don’t worry if maintenance isn’t your strong suit! Snake plants and ZZ plants tend to be particularly forgiving, seeing as they thrive in the sun and don’t mind being forgotten. Set them on the windowsill to sunbathe and catch yourself smiling as they grow with you.

put those led lights to use

Eventually, the sun will set and your source of natural light will be nonexistent. It’s time to click on those famous LED lights, or buy yourself a set if you haven’t succumbed to the TikTok peer pressure yet. Whether trendy or overrated, even color psychologists can’t deny their promising potential. Color has more influence over the brain than one might think, so take full advantage of it by basking in it. Green shades encourage problem solving, while blue tones promote fluid conversation and self expression. Both colors can assist in conquering those fast-approaching essays that look a lot like blank Google Docs right now.

In times of uncertainty, one thing remains true: the sun will rise again. Open your room and mind to the possibilities of nature and let its light rejuvenate youeven on days that feel cloudier than most.