How to Get More Natural Light Without Windows

Natural light is an important resource for us. Sunlight plays a critical role in keeping us physically and mentally healthy. However, we live in an increasingly sedentary, indoor society and only some homes have windows that let the light in. There are ways you can get more natural light without windows. By monopolizing on small amounts of it, you can maximize your sunlight exposure. 

Decorate with Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light, which is how you can see yourself. This ability helps them make a room look larger. Strategically placing mirrors around your home can reflect more natural light throughout. 

Choose Furniture With Shiny Finishes 

Furniture with shiny surfaces can aid in light reflection. Wood finishes, metallic pieces and other reflective frames can capture the natural light coming through, adding to your exposure. 

Paint with Light Colors

You might have heard that wearing lighter colors in the summer can help you feel less heat. That’s because light colors reflect light while dark ones absorb it. The same goes with your room color. Painting your walls with light pigments increases the reflection of light in your home. 

Don’t Overcrowd Your Rooms

The more matte furniture you pack in a room, the less space light will have to move around. If natural light from a source gets blocked, it can impact how you feel. 

Get Outside 

One of the best ways to get more natural light is to spend more time outside. There are many things you might normally do inside that you can do outdoors. 

• Eating – In mild weather, you can often enjoy your meals outside. You don’t need to have a barbecue to enjoy your favorite food and drinks in the sun. Even taking a snack to enjoy on a picnic blanket will give you more natural light exposure. Creating a screened-in porch can help you enjoy your meals without pests.
• Painting – Painting is a common hobby picked up by many during the pandemic and it’s a great way to express your creativity. Instead of making a mess inside your home, consider painting outside. You might even get inspired!
• Reading – Another great hobby is reading. If you like to curl up with a book inside, consider doing so in a chair or hammock outside. 
• Exercise – Exercising outside is a great way to get moving and increase your vitamin D levels. You can often walk or run in your neighborhood or on a public track for free. If you stream exercise programs, you can often do that in your yard and still be connected to your wi-fi. 
• Doing Laundry – On sunny days, consider drying your clothes on a line in your yard. It’s energy efficient and increases your natural light exposure. 
• Relaxing – You can often relax just as well in nice weather as you can inside your home. Consider securing a hammock or adding some outdoor lounge furniture to your yard in order to have a nice place to take a breather. 
• Listening to Music – A portable speaker makes an excellent addition to any backyard. Take it outside to enjoy your favorite songs. You can also listen to it while gardening or other outdoor activities. 
• Streaming Shows – If you stream shows on your devices, you can also do that outside. Enjoy your favorite shows while enjoying the fresh air. 

Benefits of Natural Light

There are many different positives to having more natural light exposure. 

It Helps You Sleep Better

Your circadian rhythm is what allows you to be active during the day and sleep well at night. From the beginning of time, humans learned to wake when the sun comes up and sleep when it goes down. However, modern society can mess with our ability to get enough sleep and stay energized. 

Artificial light gives us so many benefits we didn’t have before but can also confuse our bodies. By minimizing the use of bulbs, you can help you feel more awake during the day and tired at night. 

The hormone serotonin contributes to your energy levels and natural light encourages the release of that hormone during the day and melatonin – which encourages sleep– at night. 

Healthy adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for wellness and spending time in sunlight can help you achieve this. 

It Provides Vitamin D

Vitamin D provides many health benefits but round half of the population is deficient. 

The essential nutrient helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorous, which contribute to bone health. It can also increase your immunity fight inflammation and decrease your cancer risk. 

Getting natural light between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. provides you with the most vitamin D but any amount of sunlight can help. 

Vitamin D deficiency causes many health issues including depression, hair loss, fatigue, insomnia, achiness, loss of apetite and weakness. While supplements can provide vitamin D, they might not be necessary to increase your exposure. 

Everyone needs different levels of vitamins. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements. 

It Increases Productivity

WIthout access to natural light, it can feel hard to care for your home or do your everyday routine. Having enough can invigorate you to reach your full potential. 

Research shows that regular access to natural light can boost your energy levels and motivate you to stay productiv throughout the day. 

It all comes down to how the exposure impacts your mood. It can decrease the symptoms of many mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. The light boosts the levels of serotonin in the brain, helping you maintain a better mood. 

It Saves Money 

Having natural light in your home can decrease your energy costs. It can lower your heating bill by 32% and cut 25% of your cooling costs. The sun can warm your home in the winter and not using artificial lights can lower the internal temperature of your home. 

Sunlight reduces the amount of artificial light you need to use which also helps you to save on power. The more natural sunlight you can spread through your home, the greater benefit you have. 

Getting More Natural Light in Your Home 

Natural sunlight has many benefits which are excellent for your health and well-being. If you don’t have many windows in your home, there are ways to increase the amount of natural light in your home to create a happier, healthier environment.