If the cold winter weather and lack of sunlight have you feeling moody and fatigued, it might be worth your while to pop into the lobby of CIBC SQUARE and visit Visoleil, an eight-foot, glowing circular sculpture that promises to help tackle the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Located at 81 Bay Street, the light-emitting orb is designed by CIBC SQUARE in conjunction with Delos Labs, and is said to mimic the health benefits of sunshine, to help ease some of the negative effects caused by the reduction of light in the winter months.

According to the folks at the Mayo Clinic, decreased sunlight may disrupt the body’s internal clock which can lead to feelings of depression. It can also cause a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for mood regulation. Lack of sunlight can also contribute to a heightening of melatonin, a hormone associated with the sleep-wake cycle.

It’s estimated that two to three per cent of Canadians experience SAD, and research from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and The University of British Columbia, suggests that forty-one per cent of people living in Canada say their mental health has become worse since the onset of the pandemic.

“The reception from tenants, and everyone that passes by Visoleil at CIBC SQUARE, has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Melanie Chin, Brand and Community Manager. “Not only are people walking away from the sculpture with the energy boost they need to get through the day, but it is sparking conversations around health and wellness in the workplace, which is important now more than ever as tenants are returning to the office environment.”

Paying a visit to Visoleil, may help to improve circadian rhythm alignment, alertness and mood, which can help visitors reduce stress, increase wellness and have an energized start to their day.

The sculpture will remain up until March 13, and return annually.