Depending on our personal characteristics, environmental influences can act as either a motivation or a deterrent to what we do.
The environment constantly sends stimuli to our brain, distracting us and, as a result, draining energy from our creativity and performance.
Dr Pierce J. Howard believes that sensory stimuli such as light compete with our other mental activities. For this reason, some people, particularly introverts, find it hard to work in brightly lit spaces. Extroverts, on the other hand, can tolerate stronger “sensory assaults” in their working environment.
Lighting affects our state of mind and can either increase or reduce our productivity. To maximise our performance and creativity, we need to understand what works best for us according to our character, and put it into practice.
This knowledge should serve as a “guide” for the lighting of our space, so that we avoid being led astray by our senses.
According to Dr Howard, “Light affects mood and concentration, because it shuts down the production of melatonin, the hormone that ‘prompts’ sleep. Since concentration is important for our safety and productivity, the working environment should be well lit.”
Sunlight is the most “effective tonic” for our mood, and can act as a natural remedy for improving it.
This confirms the rule that our performance is higher during the day.
Source: suite101.com
