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!

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

I try and get outside as much as possible at the weekends and during work lunch breaks - evenings are usually too busy with dinner, homework etc.

I spend way too much time indoors . Going out is difficult with my kids . Older ones don’t want to go , finding somewhere to take my toddler is hard , I don’t drive and everything costs money ! Managed to pass driving test this Feb but can’t afford a car , if I had one I’m sure we would be able to go places more x

We love spending time outdoors. There’s a park 5 minutes from our house with a lovely woodland walk, swings for the kids and a pond so they can hunt for tadpoles. My kids love the outdoors Even if it’s raining I can’t keep the kids inside! They’ll go in the garden and jump on a wet trampoline haha they hate staying in. I definitely think a lot of kids prefer to stay indoors these days, most of my sons friends never want to play out when he calls for them. I think the kids love activities that the whole family get involved in and it’s important that you spend that time as a family. I think all family’s should have “no technology day” at least once a week!

When we are indoors, my windows and curtains are always open. I hate small windows and dark rooms. I try to get out every day, which is easy with two dogs to walk (although I get grumpy in bad weather). There's always bits and pieces I need in town and I've no transport so walk everywhere. Because of this I'm not a "let's go out for a walk" person, despite living in a seaside town with lovely coastal walks. I see walking as practical and functional so don't choose to do it for recreation like a lot of people. In good weather, the back door is open all day and I'm constantly in and out- outdoors is an extension of the home for me. I must confess this isn't quite the same in the winter, when I'd hibernate given half a chance!

We do like to get outdoors...but I'm a self employed mum to a 7 month old who's trying to balance work and baby time, it's tough! We get out for a walk at least once a day - and for longer at the weekends - and I always keep the windows in the flat open when the temperature's warm enough, to ensure the little one gets plenty of air...

We dine outside from the minute it's warm enough - February this year (although we were wearing coats!). We don't stop until we can't bear it any more. Eating outside means we're already out after every meal, so coming inside is a conscious decision, rather than the other way round.

Some days I don't go outside.

we try to be out and about at the weekend in the garden and park

We love being outside and with 3 dogs spend a lot of time walking them but after busy days we are guilty of vegging in the house. We do however use the garden a lot xx

This summer has been brilliant so got outdoors every day. Love walking and going to park with the kids.

I am inside a lot, I work in an office and my favourite hobbies are based in my house. My kids spend a lot of time indoors as they are at school but when we are all off together we do get out. We have an okay garden and a conservatory so we are always in and out, especially this Summer as we have had lovely weather. My husband works at home and he goes for a walk at lunchtime just to get out. If it was just me I'd stay home all the time!

we love being outdoors and love just having fresh air to breathe in, this summer we have spent lots more quality family time outdoors, being able to get out after work with such nice weather but as nights close in we will be indoors all the more :-(

We spend time outside going on dog walks and playing in the garden, we do spend a fair amount of time indoors, but as she's not even 2 yet, I'm trying to limit her exposure to the sun

We definitely spend more time indoors than I would like especially in the winter

Getting out and about with the children is so important, love parks, walks, nature trails etc ... try and do some in the winter as well if not too wet, get wrapped up and off we go!! Fresh air is so good for you.

Definitely spend most of my time indoors now that I went back to work

We've splashed out on lovely garden furniture so that have found that by creating a lovely space outdoors we now want to be out there as much as possible. If it's mild and not wet we eat outside everyday. We read and play outside alot too

if my kids are away for the weekend with my sister I have to admit that I barely leave the house, even when they're at school I stay in most of the time - anxiety isn't good!!

We're trying to spend as much time outdoors at the moment due to the nice weather as it most certainly won't last forever! The dog always gets us out on walks and park runs :)

More than we should . Internet, social media & streaming taking up too much time.

With it being the summer holidays, we spend less time inside. We are out doing different things, and if we have nothing planned we have a park nearby and will go there, or the children will spend most of the time in the garden. So on average in the summer holidays we spend about 3-4hrs a day inside

Far too much! I enjoy gardening but don't spend as much time outside as I should.

We spend quite a bit of time inside. I normally open all the windows. I do try and take the kiddies out every day. Normally bike ride, park, walk. Then they are content to potter at home.

too much, probably around 23 hours a day as i don't go out unless i have someone like my partner or grandma with me

It's generally weather dependent. If it's nice out then it's important for my DDs to get outside and let off steam, get fresh air and daylight. If we're trapped indoors because it's raining or too cold then I try and engage my girls in board games rather than just let them veg in front of screens. You can have quality family time indoors!