January is one of the harshest winter months; it’s long, freezing and relentlessly dark. It’s no small surprise that most of us struggle to wake up in the morning and sit gloomily during the day, hoping for a ray of sunlight or a freak gust of tropical air.

The cold-weather depression many Canadians feel is more than just the winter blues — severe cases are referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

Symptoms of SAD are subtle: Sufferers find themselves tired, despite the fact that they sleep for longer periods of time; general moodiness and cravings for sweets and starchy foods are also common, perhaps explaining our need for comfort foods like stews and hot chocolate come December.

While we’re used to sulking until spring, a new invention has hit the markets that promises to, ahem, shine a light on our somber winter days.

It’s called “Light Therapy,” and the concept is as simple as the name suggests. It involves the use of a specially designed lamp that transmits a safe, therapeutic dose of pure light directly into your system through your skin and eyes.

Light plays a significant role in the secretion and regulation of the glands directly responsible for your mood, temperature and libido, as well as your eating and sleeping patterns. Clinical research has also proven that light therapy boosts the production of serotonin, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter that makes you feel content and energized.

The recommended form of treatment is a specially-developed lamp placed on a table or desktop, and the rest couldn’t be easier: All you need to do is flip the switch and continue with your morning activities. There’s no need to look into the light directly; instead you are free to continue reading, writing or eating. The only things to remember are to a) keep yourself oriented towards the lights and b) focus on things illuminated by the lights, such as your latest edition of Lifestyle Magazine.

Bright light therapy has been the subject of examination and research for more than 25 years and has been proven to be both safe and effective. While personal light therapy devices are now available for sale, it is always recommended to consult with your doctor before embarking on any form of physical therapy.

— Stephanie Maris