Like a lot of people, we spend a high percentage of our day indoors, and depending on the weather we could be spending more time inside, especially on those cold days in winter and hottest days in summer. As humans we evolved mostly outside, so what happens when we spend so many hours inside?

1. We get less fresh air – with indoor air quality to be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor.

2. We get less time in nature which has shown to have a multitude of benefits for health and well-being, just ask your doctor.

3. We get less time basking in the rays of the sun, which over the last couple of decades, the main public health message regarding sunshine has been focused on people not spending too much time in the sun in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer. But there is an increasing amount of evidence showing the negative health effects when we don’t get enough sunshine.

That’s why sustainable home design focuses as much on the health of its inhabitants as it does on the health of the planet, including maximising natural lighting. Natural light also brings warmth and vitamin D, helping to make rooms comfortable and cosy. But this is not the only benefit to inviting the sunshine in, there are so many other reasons that you need as much natural light in your home as possible.

NATURAL LIGHTING SAVES ENERGY AND MONEY

Strategic natural lighting can reduce energy costs because it will help heat or brighten a space without using electricity.

NATURAL LIGHTING INCREASES FOCUS

Feeling foggy or listless? Look out the window and soak up the sun for a few minutes for a boost of alertness and focus. Natural light is especially important if you work from a home office. Natural light during both the morning and evening helps increase concentration and focus, will allow you to be more productive. Increased natural light during the day will help you sleep better, allowing you to be well rested and ready for another day of work

NATURAL LIGHTING REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY

Are you feeling wound up? Then for 30 minutes soak up natural daylight every morning to create your inner calm, preparing you for the day ahead

NATURAL LIGHTING CAN BOOST IS A VITAL SOURCE OF VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone and boosting the immune system. Also, laboratory studies show that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation.

NATURAL LIGHTING CAN INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME

Increased natural light can make a space look bigger and more open, resulting in people’s willingness to pay more. It’s true – Windows do increase the value of a home, especially if there are view of the beach or escarpment

NATURAL LIGHTING INCREASES HAPPINESS

Sunlight causes our brains to produce serotonin, a hormone that can improve mood by alleviating pain, providing energy and making us feel happy and well-rested. Sunlight also produces endorphins, otherwise known as the “feel-good hormone.” We always feel better and in tune with nature when outdoors

NATURAL LIGHTING CAN BENEFIT VISION

Computer screens, smart phones and fluorescent light can cause eye strain that can lead to permanent eye damage.

Natural light has been shown to lower the risk of near sightedness in children and young adults by helping the eye produce dopamine, which aids in healthy eye development.”

NATURAL LIGHTING IS GREAT FOR INDOOR PLANTS

House plants have numerous benefits – from detoxifying indoor air to boosting your mood? More natural lighting means more opportunities for growing indoor plants.

NATURAL LIGHTING

Natural lighting is also known for improving your energy and assisting with a good night sleep.

If you are planning on building or renovating a home, make sure your contractor and architect understand that you want to maximise and incorporate as much natural light as possible.

If you want to maximise your natural lighting without doing any renovating, you could

• Make sure there is no furniture blocking windows

• Avoid heavy drapes or window treatments

• Place mirrors strategically to reflect natural light

• To amplify the reflection of natural light, paint the interior window frames white

• To reflect light always choose lighter colours as dark colours will absorb it

• Keep windows clean to allow natural light to come through

• The use of glass doors or doors with window wherever it is possible

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