We all know the importance of taking care of our mental health, the pandemic meant many people were stuck inside which was detrimental to many people’s mental well-being. This can be accredited to a lack of exposure to natural light and fresh-air which both hold so many benefits for our mental and physical health. Many don’t realise how positive the impact of natural light can be.
Do you get a chance during the day to get 10-20 minutes of sunlight? This is all you need to start reaping the rewards it could bring you.
Change your environment
This point sounds dramatic, but have you ever walked into a room where the curtains are drawn and it just feels dull? The same goes with work spaces and work from home offices, it can be difficult to concentrate and keep a sharp mind when there’s a lack of natural light. There’s so many factors which can contribute to the feeling of “dullness” such as a build up of dust, which tends to happen with a lack of natural light – eventually affecting your physical health too.
Talking of physical health, it’s proven that when you become exposed to sunlight, it triggers the skin to release stores of nitrogen oxides, which cause arteries to dilate, lowering blood pressure. When your blood pressure is lower, it benefits your overall cardiovascular health. Even changing your thick blackout curtains to pretty voiles can benefit your physical health
The Mill Shop recommend doing this in areas of your home which don’t require blackout curtains“. As blackout curtains are a great option in bedrooms to help you sleep. You can even layer nets underneath your current curtains, to get the best of both worlds.
Natural Light Can?
Strengthen your bones: When you don’t get enough Vitamin D it can affect your bone health. Long-term deficiency can even contribute to issues like osteoporosis, so exposing yourself to natural light could really benefit you long-term. It’s important to let natural light into anywhere you spend long periods of time.
Help you sleep: The human body creates a hormone called melatonin, which is critical to helping you sleep at night. Research indicates that getting exposure to an hour of natural light in the morning will help you sleep better, as sunshine regulates your circadian rhythm by telling your body when to increase and decrease your melatonin
Reduce stress: Melatonin can also help to reduce your stress levels. Additionally, when you are outside you tend to be doing something active, whether that’s going for a walk, or a run, that extra exercise will also have a great effect on your mental wellbeing.
How To Get More Natural Light in the Home
Mirrors: They allow natural light to bounce around a room. Sunlight from the windows can reflect against a mirror, casting sunlight across your home.
Colour Choice: Colours close to white, such as light-coloured pastels will reflect the sunlight. Whilst white is going to be the most reflective colour, you don’t want your home to be too cold and plain.
If you’re still not sure on how to introduce more light into your home and start noticing the benefits then get in touch with the professionals at The Mill Shop for their expert advice
