If you are one of the many people who enjoy being outdoors it’s interesting to note that sunshine and natural light aren’t just for your days off or vacations.
Most of you would prefer to live your life under the warmth of the sun rather than the harsh glare of fluorescent lights. Sunlight can be a great way to wake up your body, boost your metabolism, and put you in a good mood for the day.
Whether it’s at work or home, getting natural light into your living and working spaces can produce some real health benefits.
Benefits of Natural Light
- Boots Vitamin D – When exposed to sunlight, the skin absorbs vitamin D. This nutrient prevents bone loss and reduces the risk of heart disease, weight gain and different cancers.
- Wards off depression – Getting as much natural light as possible can help keep mood swings under control. In the gloomy days of Autumn and Winter getting exposure to sunlight can ward off the “winter blues”.
- Improves Sleep – Natural light promotes better sleep. Bright morning light will shift the time you sleep earlier, so you get sleepy and fall asleep earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning.
- Eye Strain – Constant exposure to fluorescent lights can increase your risk of migraines and eye strain.
How To Get More Natural Light
Sliding Doors and stacking sliding doors can both open up your home or office and allow access to outdoor entertaining areas or balconies. They allow more fresh air to come in and allow more natural light to make its way into your living or working spaces.
Install more mirrors. Sunlight from windows and doors can reflect against a mirror and create more brightness between your walls. Hang the mirror directly across from a window, if you can, to reflect as much natural light as possible. Adding more light to a dark space leads to a healthier life.
Use light and bright colours on your walls. White ceilings make a room feel taller and larger. While white is the most reflective colour, other light colours with a reflective finish reflect light as well.
If you have a dark floor, consider adding a lighter-coloured rug to help brighten up the room.
Avoid using heavy drapes or curtains. While some rooms benefit from being dark, like the bedroom, most other rooms benefit from natural light. Kitchens, living rooms, home offices, and even the bathroom are all more cheerful and habitable when they are bright and airy.
If you have heavy drapes or curtains in these spaces, consider swapping them out for something lighter that will still maintain your privacy at night.
Natural light and sunshine are such an important part of good health, the Australian government has published guidelines to help you understand the importance of sunlight and vitamin D production.
We’ve heard so much lately about the dangers of overexposure to the sun, that it’s important to recognize the value of daily exposure to sunlight and natural light. Finding the right balance is important to help lift your spirits.