We all know about the importance of natural light but how much do we incorporate this into our daily lives and homes?
Our architects have a real focus on lighting (as well as an interest in designing healthy homes!) When designing the house, it made sense to have the main living area towards the back (south facing) so that we could take advantage of the natural light. We also brought in more light with a skylight. Having rear glass doors was a huge part of the design and there’s no doubt that I feel happy in this room!
The TV Room, which we are more likely to use at nighttime, is on the darker side of the house (and we have special lighting in this room too – read more on that here).
You may have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also know as ‘winter blues’. During winter/grey months, it can lead to depression, fatigue, difficulties with sleeping and even weight gain. Whilst we can’t control the weather here in the UK, maximising the amount of sunlight we can get in our homes is crucial.
Natural light offers numerous benefits in a home:
- Improved Mood: Sunlight boosts serotonin levels, reducing stress and promoting happiness
- Enhanced Productivity: Natural light can increase focus and energy levels
- Better Sleep: Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces the need for artificial lighting, lowering energy consumption
- Vitamin D: Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, essential for bone health
- Aesthetic Appeal: It brightens spaces, making them feel more open and inviting
I’ve gotten into the habit of trying not to look at my phone first thing in the morning, and instead, trying to look outside into the natural light for 10 mins or so. The ideal would be to stand on the grass (so I can ground at the same time) and immerse myself in natural light (downloading), but with British weather and a baby, this isn’t usually the easiest thing to do!
Read more about lighting and my key points for a Healthy Home here.