Mumsnet users share with VELUX what think of the time they spend indoors and the "indoor generation"

[JustineBMumsnet]

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It’s no secret that spending time outside getting fresh air and daylight is beneficial for a variety of reasons. A new study by VELUX showed that people spend more time inside than they realise – often spending 90% of their time indoors, and they’d like to hear your thoughts on this.

Here’s what Grant Sneddon, Velux daylight expert has to say: “Whether we’re at home, in work or school or even commuting, we spend most of our time inside poorly lit and ventilated spaces. Why is this interesting? Well, if we’re spending most of our time indoors then it means we’re not getting enough fresh air and daylight, which can affect our sleep, mood and productivity. But there are simple ways to get the health benefits of natural daylight and fresh air in the home such as opening your windows three to four times a day to allow fresh air in."

How much time do you think you spend indoors? What do you think of the claims that we’ve become an indoor generation? Do you have tips for ensuring your family gets the benefits of daylight and fresh air while you’re spending time indoors?

All who post sharing their thoughts or tips below will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck!

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Our house is south facing so we are fortunate to have a lots of natural light into our home. We always have the windows open - I love my home to have plenty of fresh air circulating.

I spend more time than I like indoors due to disabilities though my kids are frequently outdoors. I wouldn't say I'm indoors more than my mother was at a similar age and the only ones I know who are outdoors significantly more work outside or actively pursue an outdoor hobby.

Windows that can be opened and but set in place so they don't blow open are handy for getting fresh air. We have some in our living room but the ones upstairs won't stay put which is frustrating. My lodger put 'daylight bulbs' in his rooms but I'm not sure how much good they do .

We love spending time outdoors especially in the warm weather. Equally, we are happy to spend time indoors with windows open when possible. The children love to watch the birds from the kitchen window and draw them.

I completely agree with this. I think we have become an indoor generation, especially the kids. With the existence of modern technology such as ipads, and certain popular and addictive games (like Fortnite), the kids of this generation are also used to playing indoors. I remember back in the day when I was a kid, all the kids used to play out. Nowadays only a handful do which is quite sad really. I try and get DS to go out as much as possible such as taking him to the park etc.

Depending on the weather, I think my work-time is spent indoors and then my social time is 50/50. We refurbed our kitchen three years ago to introduce a new velux window and full doors across the back of the room to allow us to get fresh air and light... and it has been a godsend! I really feel it when the weather or work or illness prevent me from getting fresh air and natural daylight!

with work i spend most my weekdays indoors, i do though walk the dogs for an hour a day which makes me feel great being outdoors

We've spent a lot of time outdoors this summer, but in the winter we tend to hibernate inside. It's so much easier getting the kids outside when you don't have coats and hats to convince them in to

Too much but not as much as I used to (work etc.). I have found that it helps to accept the weather and not let rain put me off - within reason.

I've been spending far too much time indoors due to working extra shifts because of being short staffed (I'm a nurse). It's lovely going to work and coming back while it's light and I enjoy a cup of tea in the garden before getting sorted for bed. On my days off duty as a family we spend some time outside however the recent hot weather has meant it has been too hot at times to stay out long.

I love walking but my partner doesn't so I tend to go walking when I can, I have an office job so I get out for half an hour every day. I'm not a person that likes alot of sun so I try to avoid that and go for the shade but you can't beat having comfortable weather so you can walk around without big bulky coats!

I'm severely agoraphobic so barely leave the house. It's horrible, but the windows and balcony door are usually open.

I absolutely agree that we are an indoor generation but I think that is mainly down to our weather.

We love our Winter walks to the forest and early morning dog walks on the beach but we definitely do more and go to more places when the weather is fine.

Getting a dog is the best thing we ever did in terms of getting outdoors more. Coupled with a National Trust membership, we have no problems hitting our 10k steps.

We get out everyday as we have dogs. I work from home though and do have to enforce breaks outside during the day. I can't stand a stuffy house so our windows are opened all year around. Fresh air is the best cure for lots of things!! Some friends never seem to air their houses and then wonder why they get damp and lots of illnesses.

Love going outdoors to the local parks and lacks but if we don’t manage to I try to open the windows to let in the fresh air and scent of the jasmine flowers near them!

I try to take my DD outdoors as much as possible. It's a bit difficult to as she enjoys staying indoors and there's only so many visits to the park we can do before it gets a but samey

I try to take kids out as much as possible but sometimes they're just not in the mood. I think it's to do with modern technology such as ipads and PS4's. They just want to be playing online with their friends.

We spend more time than we would like indoors, but make an effort to go outdoors every day.

We get out every day. We spend a lot of time at the swimming pool as we have membership and we spend a lot of time at the park. We have also started rock painting/ hiding/ finding so go out a lot.

sadly I think it's true.
when my son finishes school he likes to play with his friends in the playground or at the park for an hour - but it's hard to find the time.

I think we spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer. However, I hate the cold and really struggle to motivate myself to leave the house in the winter.

I was lucky to work 1-2 days out of the office in the fresh air. I will miss that so much!

Being totally honest we spend a lot of time indoors, I can not even give a reason why we do it its the norm now which is sad. Seem to find if I plan something then we have more chance of getting out side.

In the winter lots, in the summer a bit less!

I definitely think that my kids generation spends much more time indoors than I did as a youngster. Especially once the days get shorter. I try to let as much natural light in as possible all year round as I suffer from SAD and it just feels better for everyone's mental health to have windows and curtain open where possible all year