Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by BSousa 4373 days ago
I hate the sun as much as any other programmer, but I can safely say, after moving to a place with a lot of sunshine, my mood improved a lot. Even 10 minutes in the balcony just staring at a clear blue sky makes me more productive and calmer than any pill/supplement or exercise has done. And for my wife (suffers from SAD/depression) it has been a god send. Has been 2 years since any major incident, which corresponds exactly with the change of climate.

Do remember it isn't only the Vitamin D. The sun also helps regulate a lot of inner processes that artificial light mess up (circadian cycle being one of them).
3 comments
hga 4373 days ago
I've found that light therapy can make a big difference, for me, getting 8 hours of sleep instead of 7. I use this very handy device: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I45XL8/
link
mattgreenrocks 4373 days ago
Where'd you end up?
link
BSousa 4373 days ago
South of Spain and now considering moving to South of Portugal. I didn't came from a completely 'dark' place like London (Oporto, North of Portugal) but even that small change made significant improvements in my life.
link
Dewie 4373 days ago
This seems to be a common sentiment. Personally I haven't noticed much of a difference in my mood between summers and winters. There might be a difference, but it hasn't been enough to be obvious to me.
link
BSousa 4373 days ago
I never did before either, but something did change. It may be just the sunshine, it maybe the location (very close to the sea) or just the job, but I can say that now when I don't have the sunshine, I miss it, which was something I never did before.

I guess it may also depend on the difference between your winter and summer. I'm assuming a New York or London summer wouldn't be the same as a Florida/California/South of Spain summer.

link
Dewie 4373 days ago
> I never did before either, but something did change. It may be just the sunshine, it maybe the location (very close to the sea) or just the job, but I can say that now when I don't have the sunshine, I miss it, which was something I never did before.

I lived in Madrid for almost 5 months, but I don't quite long back to the sun and warmth. It's nice, certainly nicer than where I am most of the time. But I don't pine for it.

> I guess it may also depend on the difference between your winter and summer. I'm assuming a New York or London summer wouldn't be the same as a Florida/California/South of Spain summer.

I live in coastal (more or less) Norway, so while the temperature differences aren't that great, there is of course a marked difference in the amount of sunlight. Also less rain in the summer, I think.

link