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 spend most days indoors because of my anxiety/ bipolar. I don’t go out often at all. On average I’d say I spend 18 hours indoors. Living in a flat also limits me to getting outside, however I am lucky to actually have a lot of windows which make my flat lovely & bright.
I’d definitely agree that more natural light needs to be inside our homes.

I spend most days indoors because of my anxiety/ bipolar. I don’t go out often at all. On average I’d say I spend 18 hours indoors. Living in a flat also limits me to getting outside, however I am lucky to actually have a lot of windows which make my flat lovely & bright.
I’d definitely agree that more natural light needs to be inside our homes.

This has made me go and get a quote for new patio doors, a front door with more glass and a Velux window to be put into the hallway 😂😂 I need more light in my life!

It depends on the time of year. In the summer, we try to make most of warm weekends and long evenings and spend as much time as possible outside - visiting family and friends, barbecues, picnics, etc. In the winter, we are mostly indoors but do go for a brisk walk in the park every now and then.

I spend lots of time indoors but get outside everyday because I have to walk my dog at least twice a day!

Apart from DD4 who loves playing out in the rain, we're in if the weather's bad. We live in Cumbria so it probably a good 80% of our free time is spent indoors.

My son loves being outside going adventures! Playing cricket, football or anything! He starts school in September and they are very outsidey thry walk a mile a day, and do alot of exploring and outside learning

I try to spend a couple of hours outside everyday.

It’s so easy to remain indoors particularly during the winter months but I noticed that getting a dog has made a huge difference to the amount of time we spend outdoors. The kids are happy to play with the dog on walks and they don’t realise they’re getting sneaky fresh air and exercise.

Slots of walks in the countryside prob about an hour day on average not enough really

We are very lucky to live close to the coast so spent a lot of our time walking along the beach at weekends. I have two dogs so walk them daily and love to run, so I think I spend a lot of time outdoors. My sons love to be outdoors playing with their friends, cycling and pond dipping too :o)

Admittedly we do like to spend time indoors but we absolutely love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. It's not much fun walking around in the rain, but two out of four weekends we leave the car at home and spend it outdoors.

I agree most of the people I know work indoors and at the end of the work day they just want to go home and chill. I personally spend a lot of time indoors due to bad health and being stuck in a first floor flat. I have to rely on others to go out and not wanting to bother others it's just easier to stay indoors. I do have my Windows open even in winter to try and get fresh air ventilation going through my flat.

22 hours a day indoors mostly, and then other days it could be as " low " as 17 hours.

Weather tends to be rubbish where I stay, I love indoors, and love Autumn/Winter, nothing better than candles, hot chocolate and the heating on

I myself probably spend to much time indoors apart from days out. However my 10yr old daughter is out playing all the time in our garden on the trampoline or round the front with her mates. There favourite game is Kerby at present. I find by having lots of outdoor toys such as the trampoline, swing, bouncers, bikes etc keep my daughter and her friends entertained playing outside. Due to the heatwave we've had the paddling pool and slip an slide out alot.

We try and get outdoors as much as possible, but it is not always easy. We have a Jack Russell, who enjoys her walks, so we have started to walk her to our local park as well as over the fields, which we are lucky enough to have at the back of our home. We create different adventures, each time we go. Yesterday, we went Blackberry picking in the hedgerows and then made a lovely Blackberry and Apple pie.

I suffer with anxiety, so struggle to go out ever! I am often told to go out, but I just can’t get myself out of the door

I’m actually guilty of not spending any time outdoors. There’s always an excuse. I was suffering with agoraphobia but it’s easing and although I can go far on my own as the only adult in the group I can at least spend time in our new back garden. This summer I was only out there when cutting the lawn and when family visited. I’m definitely trying to make more of an effort to get some fresh air especially during Autumn

We spend far too much time indoors. I've become really aware of just how much time over the school holidays. My children often end up in tears if I suggest we go out. I've been trying to explore our local area more, we've been going to local parks and places we have never been before. Its a battle to get out the house but once we out they have a lovely time and ask to do it more often.

We are indoors generation. It is very difficult to stay outside especially in winter when it's getting dark so quick, is cold and raining a lot.

I spend a lot of time indoors, when I’m sleeping! Otherwise I make sure I go outside every day for long enough to feel the benefit.

I do think we work long hours and then stay indoors to relax. We just don't have the energy!

I don't spend enough time outdoors, no excuse really

Our back door is always open during the day so the kiddy’s come in and out as they please all day, our bedroom window is always constantly open so the breeze blows through the house