The Shocking Impact of Hydration, Sunlight, and the Power of Thought.
Ever felt like you function better after a good dose of sunlight, hydration, and kind words? You might be more like a houseplant than you think! Science—and a little philosophy—suggests that what nourishes plants also profoundly impacts our mental health, mood, and overall well-being. Let’s explore how these simple yet powerful elements—including effective mood lighting and the impact of negative energy and words—can transform the way you think, feel, and thrive.
Hydration: Your Brain is Basically a Sponge
Did you know that your brain is about 75% water? Water regulates mood, prevents fatigue, and keeps your cognitive functions firing smoothly. When you’re dehydrated, your brain literally shrinks (yes, shrinks), leading to brain fog, irritability, and difficulty focusing—just like a drooping plant needing water.
Fun Fact:
Cognitive performance begins declining with just a 2% decrease in hydration. So, that “meh” feeling at work? Might just need a sip of water!
Sunlight: The Original Mood Booster
We all know plants depend on sunlight—but guess what? You do too. Sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which boosts serotonin (your happiness neurotransmitter). Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and anxiety, making natural light essential for emotional well-being.
How Work Impacts You Here:
● Windowless offices = stress overload – Try taking breaks outside.
● Fluorescent lights = meh vibes – If possible, sit near a window or use warm-toned lighting.
● Morning sun = instant reset – Even 10 minutes outside in the morning improves sleep and mood. Incorporate Mood Lighting into your space.
Mood Lighting: Your Secret Wellness Tool: If natural sunlight isn’t always available, mood lighting can create a similar effect. Different types of light influence brain function, relaxation, and even productivity levels.
Choosing the Right Lighting:
🔆 Warm, Soft Light – Encourages relaxation, perfect for winding down after work.
💡 Bright White Light – Stimulates focus and energy, ideal for workspaces.
🌅 Sunrise Simulation Lights – Helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep and morning mood.
🟣 Colored LED Therapy – Colors like blue and purple can promote calmness, while red and orange boost energy.
Work & Home Hacks for Better Lighting:
● Swap harsh fluorescent bulbs for warmer LED lights.
● Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness for more control over workspace mood.
● Incorporate smart bulbs that shift throughout the day to match natural light patterns.
● Consider salt lamps or candlelight for stress relief in the evening.
The Power of Thought & Words – Dr. Emoto’s Water Experiments: Dr. Masaru Emoto’s fascinating research on how words affect water molecules suggests something mind-blowing: words hold energy. His studies found that water exposed to positive words formed beautiful crystalline structures, while water exposed to negative words became chaotic and distorted.
Since humans are mostly water, what does that mean for you?
● Speaking kindly to yourself can improve stress resilience.
● Negative self-talk can literally weigh you down emotionally and physically.
● Surrounding yourself with positive conversations can shift your energy and mental state.
Mindfulness Tip: Before drinking water, think or say a positive affirmation (like “I am thriving!”) and imagine that nourishment going directly to your cells.
The Hidden Weight of Negative Energy & Words: Much like toxic soil can stunt a plant’s growth, negative energy, whether from your own thoughts or the people around you, can deeply affect your mental and physical well-being.
How Negative Talk Impacts You:
● Stress overload – Constant negativity increases cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, leading to anxiety and fatigue.
● Lower confidence & motivation – Being surrounded by criticism or negative conversations can subtly rewire your brain to internalize self-doubt.
● Physical symptoms – Negative energy isn’t just emotional—it can manifest in headaches, tension, digestive issues, and even weakened immunity.
● Mood contagion – Science proves emotions are contagious. If negativity dominates your environment, it’s easy to absorb that energy without realizing it.
What You Can Do:
● Limit exposure to negative people – Set healthy boundaries where necessary.
● Reframe negative thoughts – Catch yourself in a cycle of self-criticism and replace harsh thoughts with kinder ones. Practice the theory of “What you think about, you bring about.”.
● Foster and surround yourself with uplifting conversations – Spend more time with those who bring positive energy into your life.
● Practice self-compassion – Speak to yourself as you would to a friend—because your words matter.
How Does This Impact Depression & Anxiety?
● Dehydration increases cortisol (your stress hormone), making anxiety worse.
● Sunlight deprivation reduces serotonin, leading to sluggish moods.
● Harsh lighting overstimulates the brain, increasing tension.
● Negative energy & talk subtly shape self-perception, making stress harder to manage.
If you’re feeling drained, instead of overcomplicating self-care, start thinking like a plant:
☀️ Get some sun
💧 Drink enough water
💬 Feed yourself positive words
💡 Adjust your lighting to fit your emotional needs
❌ Limit exposure to negative energy
How to Apply This at Work & Home At Work:
● Keep a water bottle nearby and refill regularly.
● If possible, get outside for breaks—even five minutes in the sun helps.
● Use affirmations or calming reminders at your desk.
● Invest in better lighting to improve focus and reduce eye strain.
● Minimize exposure to toxic work environments where negativity dominates and surround yourself with co-workers who uplift rather than drain energy.
● Set personal boundaries – If negativity is affecting you, advocate for balance in workload and emotional energy.
● Push for workplace improvements – If your company lacks support for mental health & wellness, discuss ways HR can help build a more thriving environment.
At Home:
● Start your morning in sunlight (even sitting by a window works).
● Surround yourself with uplifting words, books, or music.
● Hydrate first thing in the morning to kickstart brain function.
● Speak kindly to yourself—your body listens.
● Use soft lighting in the evenings to signal relaxation to your brain.
● Choose relationships & media that lift you up rather than bring you down.
Final Thoughts: Are You Really Just a Plant?
Okay, you’re not literally a plant—but you do thrive when nourished in the same ways.
Hydration, sunlight, mood lighting, positive words, and a healthy emotional environment are science-backed ways to boost mood, productivity, and overall wellness.
So next time you’re feeling off, ask yourself:
“Did I water myself today?”
“Did I soak in some sunlight?”
“Did I adjust my lighting to fit my mood?”
“Did I speak kindly to myself?”
“Did I limit my exposure to negative energy?”
“Am I thriving in my work environment, or does it need a little more sunlight, hydration, and positivity?”
The answer might change everything. 🌱💡💧💬
