What makes a sunny day

Because it has been tested for thousands of years by billions of people, every time the sun comes out. The two theories reflect several thousand years of the history of lighting design: the sun lit our days, stars and fires our nights. If we can capture the essence of sunshine and flame without the downsides of both, we can make our homes significantly more inviting and relaxing. Most of us prefer sunny days to cloudy days. The local Mexican restaurant my wife loves is papered with Corona posters, each one dominated by a beautiful sunny beach.

There is not a single cloudy-day Corona poster, and the reason is simple. We like the sun. And as it turns out, sunlight also plays a major role in our health and well-being, helping regulate our sleep and wake cycles, or circadian rhythm. A few years ago it occurred to me that many spaces in homes and businesses and schools could benefit from a Sunny Day approach to lighting design, and the first of my illustrated theories was born.

I am a big fan of large windows for natural light and views, but what happens when it is cloudy outside, your windows are small, or your wall opens to another apartment? What happens in December when the sun goes down before the work day ends? Bringing the components of a bright sunny day into your home can create a vibrant, energizing space. There are three main elements to the typical beautiful sunny day: a bright white sun, a brilliant blue sky, and a dynamic day that begins with dawn and ends with dusk.

Embedded in these simple elements are light for doing, light for knowing, light for feeling, and light that changes. And the story of a sunny day? Go outside and have fun! Recessed lighting also called can lights or down lights is the backbone of high-end residential lighting design. It turns out that seeing the sun- knowing where the big bright glare bomb in the sky is- is part of what makes a sunny day feel nice to us. At home, then, we need to be able to see where the light is coming from- this is one reason table lamps are so popular and comfortable.

TIME Health. TIME Labs. The Goods. TIME Shop. Press Room. The Most Influential People. American Voices. The Breakdown. Finding Home. The Influencers. Longevity Next Generation Leaders.

Person of the Year. Space Top of the World. Privacy Policy. Your California Privacy Rights. Terms of Use. Ad Choices. TIME Apps. TIME for Kids. What better way to exercise than outside in the sunshine? In the sunnier months people take up a more active lifestyle , according to experts at the University of North Carolina. Exercise can lead to a boost in endorphins — the same feel-good chemical that may come from warmer weather.

Warm weather can also bring out our positivity and creative skills more. The University of Michigan study also found that being outdoors in enjoyable climates can improve memory and broaden cognitive style, which is linked to more creative thoughts.

Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. At night, darker lighting triggers the brain to make another hormone called melatonin.

This hormone is responsible for helping you sleep. Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin. Spending time with friends and family is good for the soul and helps lift our mood.