According to scientists, pandemic isolation and social distancing is causing rates of depression to increase. The risks are compounded by the long winter months. Unfortunately, rather than a purely psychological condition, depression has been tied to a physically shorter lifespan from all-cause mortality. 

So, if you’ve been finding yourself experiencing mood dips lately, light therapy—in which the individual is exposed to a lightbox that mimics natural sunlight—may help you conquer the pandemic blues. In fact, research suggests that light therapy may help ease symptoms of a variety of mood disorders, including seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. 

Light therapy lamps are available at a variety of price points, but VeryWellMind rated the Circadian Optics Lumine Light Therapy Lamp as the best overall for its effectiveness, ease of use, and affordability. It retails for only $30. An interesting alternative is HumanCharger. This is a device that channels bright light through your ears directly to the light-sensitive regions of the brain.