Sixty five per cent of those surveyed in the South West in a poll have said shorter days and darker nights are negatively impacting mental wellbeing, with 42% feeling depressed and moody.

National lockdown and remote working mean almost half (49%) in the region feel gloomy about spending more time at home this winter, adding their mental health has deteriorated over the pandemic.

On Blue Monday, regarded as the most miserable day of the year, leading electrical body NICEIC advises 'use lighting as mood booster but go pro when it comes to electrical safety'.

Almost three quarters (70%) of those in Bristol reported that poor lighting is making them more stressed and affecting concentration levels, compared with 52% in Plymouth

With 2020 hailed by many as 'the worst year ever', many people in the South West say their mental wellbeing is at an all-time low this Blue Monday, a new study has revealed.

According to new research by NICEIC, the UK's leading name for registered electrical contractors, a disturbing 65% of those polled in the South West have confessed that the shorter days and darker nights this winter are negatively impacting their mental health.

Faced with another national lockdown, almost half (49%) of South West residents revealed they felt gloomy about the prospect of spending more time at home this winter, with more than one third (34%) saying they felt anxious and fearful, 31% feeling isolated and more than a quarter (26%) feeling burnt out and exhausted.

Luckily, as record spending on home improvements continues, lighting has become a key priority especially as one in four (27%) of us believe good lighting makes us happier and more energetic. Almost a quarter (22%) in Plymouth said good home lighting makes them feel better during the winter months.

On

Blue Monday, reportedly the most miserable day of the year, NICEIC has launched its 'Watts The Matter?' campaign. The campaign highlights the positive impact brightening up your home with good lighting can have on the nation's collective mood - while warning the public of the importance of using a registered electrical contractor for any planned electrical work.

Paul Collins, NICEIC's Technical Services Manager, comments: "With 2020 being one of the most challenging years in recent history, it's unsurprising that just weeks into January, the mental wellbeing of a record number of Brits is at an all-time low this Blue Monday, including many in the South West.

"The national lockdown and the fact that huge swathes of the population are still working from home, often in makeshift offices set up in the kitchen or spare bedroom, is clearly intensifying the detrimental impact poor home lighting can have on mood.

"And while more people are recognising that better home lighting can help them get through the gloomy winter, have-a-go DIY enthusiasts must remember there's a huge difference between fitting a new energy efficient lamp (lightbulb) and attempting to install a more sophisticated solution, which comes with potential pitfalls around electrical safety.

"As we ask the nation 'Watts The Matter?' this winter, our message is simple – investing in good lighting can be a real mood booster. But always use a professional, such as those electrical contractors registered with NICEIC, for any electrical work not only to keep your home and family safe but also to receive the best technical advice and expertise."

Today's findings come as nearly one in five (19%) homeworkers in the South West admitted that the lighting in their home office was either too dark or too light, with more than half (51%) revealing they regularly suffer from headaches, migraines or eye strain when working.

Despite this, even though one quarter (25%) of homeworkers in the region bought a new desk, laptop, screens or printers, just 7% have upgraded their lighting to make their home offices as comfortable as possible.

Warning homeworkers to be extra vigilant on electric safety, Paul adds: "While making your lighting dream a reality has the potential to reinvigorate your wellbeing through the cold dark months, using a professional is the only way to avoid disappointment and truly ensure your new lighting reaches its full potential."

The survey of 2,000 consumers nationwide reveals the UK's collective weariness this winter, with some surprising disparities:

- 46% of women said the coronavirus pandemic continues to make them feel anxious//fearful, compared to just 28% of men

- the pandemic is having the worst impact on those aged 18-44, with 21% revealing they're suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)