People spend an astonishing 90% of their time indoors, surrounded by artificial lighting that disrupts our natural rhythms. As someone who has spent 18 years reading, researching, and writing about wellbeing, I have often pondered whether our journey to optimal health is more about returning to nature rather than chasing complex solutions. Our bodies crave a natural environment—eating freshly produced food, moving in diverse ways, and syncing with the rhythm of the seasons. Yet, society’s demands have overcomplicated these simple truths, leaving our circadian rhythms out of balance.

In a recent interview with Deepak Savadatti, CEO of BIOS, and Robert Soler, Chief Scientist, I discovered how their team is tackling this problem head-on. They have been working on ground-breaking circadian technology, developed by Robert as a NASA scientist, that promises to revolutionise our experience with light and restore harmony to our biological clocks. Their innovative approach aims to bring the natural lighting cycle indoors, helping us align with the rhythms that are essential for our health and wellbeing.

The Problem with Modern Lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of our environment. We often take it for granted, assuming that as long as we can see and it’s energy efficient, it will suffice. However, lighting profoundly impacts our mood, productivity, and even our health. Imagine waking up naturally with the sunrise, experiencing a clear blue sky during the day, and unwinding under soft evening light. For most, this is a vacation fantasy. But what if you could replicate this experience every day, regardless of your environment or the weather outside?

The Science of Circadian Rhythms

Circadian rhythms are the body’s internal clocks, guiding our sleep-wake cycles, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Misalignment with the natural 24-hour day-night cycle can lead to numerous issues, including sleep disorders, fatigue, and even chronic health problems. Disrupted circadian rhythms contribute to insomnia, reduced focus, and mood disorders, impacting both personal and professional lives.

Understanding light’s role in this equation is crucial. Light temperatures, measured in Kelvin (K), range from warm colours like the glow of a campfire (2,000K) to the cool whites of a sunny day (5,000K). Cooler lighting, similar to natural sunlight, has been shown to improve alertness, energy, and mood, making it ideal for workplaces where productivity is key.

A New Dawn in Lighting

SKYVIEW offers a revolutionary approach to lighting by mimicking the natural cycle of light throughout the day. Robert Soler, one of the brains behind this technology, explained that the concept originated with his time at NASA, where astronauts needed a solution to mimic Earth’s day-night cycle while orbiting the planet every 90 minutes. The technology was so effective that it became clear its benefits could extend far beyond the confines of space.

Their technology focuses on the “sky blue” wavelength, sending critical signals to our brain via melanopsin, a special photopigment in our eyes. Traditional indoor lights fail to target melanopsin effectively, leaving our circadian rhythms confused and misaligned. In contrast, SKYVIEW’s circadian lighting replicates the spectrum of natural light, helping regulate the body’s internal clock and improve wellbeing.

Impact and Research

The real-world impact is impressive. Research conducted by Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital found significant benefits for its users, including a 12% boost in productivity, a 78% increase in motivation, and a 90% rise in attention within days of use. Users reported feeling a 190% increase in mental sharpness, akin to the alertness provided by an extra cup of coffee—without the caffeine crash.

SKYVIEW is not just a lamp; it’s a lifestyle transformation. Anecdotal evidence shows households using the technology experience improved energy levels, better sleep, and enhanced mood. Children wake up refreshed and ready for school, and families report fewer conflicts, feeling more balanced and in sync with nature.

Everyday Life

The benefits are not limited to the home. Imagine workplaces where lighting supports natural circadian rhythms, boosting productivity and reducing stress. A major airline is exploring this technology to help aircrews cope with time zone shifts and unnatural lighting environments. They have already developed lighting panels for office ceilings, and their potential applications are vast.

Signs of Circadian Rhythm Disruption

Is your circadian rhythm out of balance? Look for signs such as sleep problems, performance issues, emotional difficulties, and health problems like obesity and heart disease. Misaligned rhythms can also increase accident risks and impair social interactions. SKYVIEW offers a simple yet powerful solution to realign our biological clocks and enhance our quality of life.
The BIOS mission is to redefine our relationship with light, transforming it from a mere necessity into a tool for enhancing wellbeing. Their vision is a world where restful nights and dynamic days are the norm, not luxuries. By embracing this technology, we have the opportunity to return to the natural rhythms our bodies crave and shine our brightest in all aspects of life. As we look to the future, SKYVIEW stands at the forefront of innovation, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced world.

Discover skyviewlight.com

The post Brightening Our Lives: The Transformative Power of Light on Wellbeing appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Demands on us can range from work, home life, raising children, social commitments, hobbies and more — not to mention our efforts to stay in shape.

As studies have shown that our space can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health, staying on top of cleaning is important too.

But how is this achievable when there is so much to juggle? A cleaning schedule can help.

Whether you are a strictly organised person who loves lists, projects, and ‘checking’ items off when complete, or more laidback, making a schedule for your cleaning can have lots of benefits.

We have rounded up some of the best ones below.

1. It Prevents You Becoming Overwhelmed

There are few feelings more tiring than returning home to a mountain of laundry or cleaning, or else finishing the housework only to discover things are back the way they started a few hours later.

At such times it can be easy to become discouraged and even overwhelmed.

Having a cleaning routine in place helps to prevent this. You know that things will be taken care of even if not right away, because you have already ear-marked some time to handle it. It will also help to ensure that nothing ever gets too out of hand, because it is being regularly addressed.

We probably know from our own experience that the longer we leave a mess, the greater it becomes. Cleaning routines help to address this slowly but surely, so that things stay manageable.

2. It Minimises ‘Decision Fatigue’

New studies show that daily decisions all incur an energy cost in the brain. What happens when we have too many decisions to make in the day, even small ones, is that we can develop ‘decision fatigue’.

Decision fatigue can feel exactly how it sounds. We’re simply faced with too many decisions until eventually very little gets done.

The way to combat this is by taking the decision out of our hands in some way. If we have already allocated time to clean, we don’t have to decide again to do it the next day. We already know that this is what we have planned. Similarly, if you were to hire professionals offering Phoenix cleaning services (or others elsewhere more relevant) you’d remove the decision fatigue of figuring out when and where to clean, as well as the physical exertion of cleaning yourself.

Allocating the cleaning to a specific day or time that works for us and trying to stick to it reduces the daily decision fatigue of wondering whether to clean or not!

3. It Can Be Easily Delegated

A cleaning schedule will help to illuminate exactly what needs to be done and how regularly. Once you know this, you are in a position to share the load.

Partners, children, and other family members or flatmates can all get involved. You could even consider making an event of it with a friend — returning the favour at their home the week after, for example.

Even if you are taking care of the cleaning yourself, having a schedule ensures that you can divide up the work sensibly across the whole week, so that you have never given yourself too much to do.

4. It Becomes Routine

Cleaning can feel like a chore or an unwelcome obligation if it interrupts us.

We might just have settled in for a movie night with friends or a well-earned rest after work when we notice that the surfaces are dusty, for example.

Having to get up and start cleaning when we are already tired or had other plans can make the process feel like a punishment. The results we get may even be sloppier too.

A cleaning schedule helps to ensure that cleaning doesn’t infringe on your leisure time or otherwise disrupt things. You know when it is going to be done, and you can even indulge in a reward afterwards!

5. It Is More Efficient

Our time is precious. We want to get the best results in the least amount of time, with minimal effort.

One of the best ways to achieve this is with professional cleaners, but a cleaning schedule can be a great help if you are tackling the cleaning alone.

A cleaning schedule helps to ensure that our cleaning is efficient. We are less likely to repeat areas or to forget when things were last dealt with.

We can also use a schedule to keep track of things that need to be done only periodically — such as deep cleaning the carpets or mattresses.

With a bit of initial effort, even a simple cleaning schedule can help us to stay efficient, effective, and in control.

The post The 5 Key Benefits Of Having A Cleaning Schedule appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Pet ownership in the UK is at an all-time high, with 26% of households owning a dog and 18% sharing their homes with a cat. Love them as we do – in fact, over 90% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel happy – there’s no doubt that they can cause havoc around the home. From stray hairs to scratches and endless mud to unpleasant odours, there’s plenty of potential for damaged sofas, floors, walls and gardens. But don’t despair – our top tips will keep your home looking spick and span.

Protect your floors
Carpets can soon take on a doggy odour, as well as becoming a magnet for shedding hairs. Wearing rubber gloves produces static that helps to pick up the dog hairs that vacuuming misses. Hard floors are the easiest to keep clean. Go for tiles or vinyls that can be washed down easily. Durable floor paint will withstand claws and is easy to keep clean. Try Everbuild Floor Paint, a heavy duty, hard-wearing paint for concrete, stone and wooden floors. Natural woods can soon be marred by scratches and scuff marks, so apply a protective varnish.

Washable walls
No matter how well you clean your dog’s paws after a long walk, mud has a tendency to get everywhere. Make sure you use washable paints so you can quickly clean mud-spattered walls. Try using sugar soap and a decorating sponge to clean stains off paint. No matter how tempting it is to scrub carpets and fabrics, always leave mud to dry first, then clean with a brush.

The great outdoors
If you’re bringing home a new puppy, you’ll need to make sure your garden is safe. Make sure fences are secure, replacing any broken panels. Your fence will need to be tall enough that your dog doesn’t jump over it, and flush to the ground in case it tries to dig its way out. Damaged lawns can be spruced up with a few rolls of reasonably priced turf. Consider installing an outdoor tap and attach a spray-head hosepipe to shower your dog after a walk, rather than risk redecorating your bathroom with mud.

Banish odours
To eliminate smell, try using bicarbonate of soda, which has absorbent properties that draw out odours. Sprinkle over carpets, leave overnight then vacuum in the morning. Cat urine can leave an unpleasant odour that lingers for days. Vinegar will neutralise the smell. Add a dash to soiled fabrics before placing in the washing machine. Nothing will stop your dog from smelling like a dog, so prevent a build-up of doggy odours by vaccuming often and opting for hard floors rather than carpets where possible. Use natural oils to mask the smell, rather than scented candles and plug-ins. Try adding lemon oil to a reed diffuser for naturally fresh-smelling rooms.

Allergy advice
There’s nothing nicer than snuggling up with a cat or dog, but pet dander (dead skin cells and fur) can produce allergens in vulnerable people, causing sneezing, wheezing and even asthma. Bathing dogs reduces allergen levels by up to 85% according to research, but levels rise again after three days so you’ll need to repeat frequently. Wash pet bedding at least weekly. If possible, restrict pets to rooms with wooden floors as wood traps less dander than carpet.

D.W.Nye Builders Merchant is a family run business based in Kingsfold, Horsham. Operating since 1985, the company supplies building, timber and landscaping materials to trade, DIY, and retail customers.  The company prides itself on providing high quality customer service and has built an excellent reputation in the local community.

For more information please visit dwnye.co.uk
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After all the recent hot weather, it’s hard to imagine that the long summer days will gradually start to dissipate into darker evenings come autumn. As the season changes, and temperatures begin to drop, it’s a good idea to start thinking about some of the more important tasks to undertake around the home and garden before winter hits.

From checking drains to remedying roofing, make the following jobs part of your maintenance must-dos and ensure you aren’t hit with any hefty bills, or nixed by nasty surprises.

Get your garden in order
Increased rainfall and high winds can play havoc on fencing so check that all panels and posts are firmly fixed and securely in place. If panels are split or damaged, look to repair or replace them. Replacing panels is a relatively straightforward job and will save you the hassle of attempting to rectify any damage in the event of a gusty storm – after all nobody wants to be outside fixing fencing whilst being battered about by gale force winds! Treating your fencing with one of a wide range of specialist wood preservers or oils will also protect it from the elements.

Keeping your lawn in tip top condition all year round isn’t easy. You can prepare your lawn for winter by continuing to mow it throughout the autumn, and ensuring you cut it at a level of two inches. If the grass is too long, it will become matted, effectively suffocating it and encouraging mould and disease to breed. Alternatively, for a completely maintenance free option, consider replacing your lawn with high quality artificial grass – once installed it delivers all the aesthetics without any of the associated elbow-grease!

Clean up and clear out
Just like you’d give your house a spring clean, give your garden an autumn clear out. Washing down paving, weeding flower beds, raking lawns and giving the windows a once over will all help to keep things under control.

Consider getting your windows checked for leaks. Just a small gap or crack could cause water damage or allow cold air to seep into your home, decreasing the room temperature and racking up heating bills.

Pack up garden furniture, lights and lanterns and store them somewhere dry. If storage is limited or unavailable, invest in a good quality outdoor furniture cover to keep it protected.

Check drains and remedy roofing
Make sure your home is safeguarded from sudden bursts or frequent bouts of rain by checking drains and guttering are clear of debris and obstructions. It’s a good idea to consider protecting your drains from falling leaves by installing a drain protector.

Frost can cause havoc to pipes, causing them to crack. Drain anything that isn’t in use over winter, such as outside water containers. This will stop any water inside from freezing and expanding and consequently causing damage.

Insulation is a straightforward way to prevent damage to pipes during cold spells. It is easily available and can be quickly fitted to exposed pipes. A quick survey inside and outside your property should help to determine which pipes need protecting.

Examine the roof for loose fitting tiles or leakages and get anything suspicious checked out and, if necessary, repaired by a professional.

By investing a bit of time and effort during the warmer months, your home and garden should be ship shape well into the new year.

D.W. Nye Builders Merchant is a family-run business based in Kingsfold, Horsham. Operating since 1985, the company supplies building, timber and landscaping materials to trade, DIY, and retail customers.  The company prides itself on providing high quality customer service and has built an excellent reputation in the local community.

Website: www.dwnye.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dwnyebuildersmerchants
Twitter: @dwnyebm

The post Home and garden must-do maintenance jobs for autumn appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Wikaniko’s individually handmade soy candles are very different to the mass produced paraffin wax candles available on the market. Wikaniko use only pure soy wax (which is 100% vegetable, renewable, sustainable resource made from pure soybean oil) to create delicately fragranced soy candles. The only things added to the natural wax are high quality fragrance oil and colour. No other artificial additives or chemicals are added, and the wicks are natural and designed specifically to burn best in soy wax candles.

They burn longer and more cleanly than paraffin wax without soot build up, and are natural, biodegradable, free from pesticides, herbicides, and produced without genetically modified material. It is easy to clean up with soap and hot water, eliminating the need for solvents, and is not subject to animal testing.

Wikaniko’s fragrances have all been inspired by nature to reflect the perfumes found naturally in fruit, flowers, herbs and spices. They are all of the highest quality and have been specially selected to ensure they represent the true fragrance of their origin and do not emit a cloying or artificial fragrance characteristic of so many candles.

Please remember that when burning candles, the strength of the perfume is not only determined by the amount of fragrance contained within the candle though also by the size of the pool of melted wax created. Therefore a small candle, such as a tea light, will not have the same fragrance throw as a larger candle or wax melt.

As with all candles, please remember to follow safety instructions carefully.
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words: Wikaniko

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