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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs a general rule, most of us would prefer to live out our lives under the\u00a0warmth of the sun\u00a0rather than under the buzz and glare of fluorescent bulbs. In fact, a recent survey, as reported by\u00a0The Harvard Business Review<\/a>, confirms just how much natural light means to the average person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Future Workplace\u2019s survey, over 1,600 employees ranked \u201caccess to natural light and views of the outdoors\u201d as their number one desire for a workplace environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This came over and above other perks like fitness centers and on-site childcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re among the many who crave more sun, it\u2019s interesting to note that pure sunlight isn\u2019t just a nice little plus to casting a homey glow in your cubicle or making your food photos Insta-worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are our top reasons to become an indoor sun-seeker, and tips to make it happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When exposed to sunlight, the skin absorbs vitamin D, a critical nutrient<\/a> that prevents bone loss and reduces the risk of heart disease, weight gain, and various cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The so-called \u201csunshine vitamin\u201d also doesn\u2019t discriminate based on whether you get your sunlight indoors or out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning: increasing your natural light where you spend the most time, be it home or the workplace, is equally important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many people, autumn is a giddy time of crunchy leaves and all things pumpkin spice. Getting as much natural light as possible can help keep these mood changes at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For about\u00a06 percent<\/a>\u00a0of the population, fall kicks off a time of serious depression known as\u00a0seasonal affective disorder\u00a0(aka major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another\u00a014 percent<\/a>\u00a0experience the less debilitating (but still significant) \u201cwinter blues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since mental health and sleep often go hand in hand, it\u2019s not surprising that natural light affects both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A small 2014 studyTrusted Source<\/a> of office workers revealed that the more natural light exposure they received, the better sleep they experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The more time you spend in a source of natural light, the less time you\u2019ll likely spend in the unnatural light of fluorescent bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though compact fluorescent lamps are generally recognized as safe, for some people, exposure to fluorescent light appears to elicit an elevated stress response<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With CFLs (compact florescent light bulbs) as your main light source day in and day out, this could increase your risk for migraines and eye strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (P.S. Broken CFL bulbs can also emit dangerous amounts of mercury, so if you\u2019ve got adventurous kids, keep these out of reach!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n With all the health benefits at stake, what can you do to let the sunshine in?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Help light bounce around a room with a mirror \u2026or two \u2026or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunlight from the window can reflect against a mirror, casting more brightness between four walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How large of a mirror should you choose? The sky \u2014 or, technically, your ceiling \u2014 is the limit. Just be sure you get the most of the reflection and aim to place mirrors or metallic objects in the path of the sun\u2019s rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some interior design pros also emphasize adding to the mirror effect by decorating with items with a metallic sheen, like brass candlesticks or silver sconces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtains may be lovely to look at, but their elegance pales compared to the health benefits of going au natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Removing heavy curtains is an easy step to allowing more sun in your space. Plus, letting the sun be your alarm can help get your circadian rhythm<\/a> back on track and reboot your sleep-wake cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re concerned about how the\u00a0sun may be affecting your skin while you snooze, opt for keeping blinds raised throughout the day before pulling them shut at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reflective colors aren\u2019t just for road cyclists. You can bring their eye-catching effects into your home with your selection of wall colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While white is the most reflective color, you don\u2019t have to make your home look like a sanatorium to lighten things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colors close to white, such as light-colored pastels, reflect plenty of rays. An eggshell wash or other reflective paint finish compounds their brightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, don\u2019t forget the largest source of darkness in a room may be the floor. Get a light colored rug to help brighten up the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes adding more natural light to your environment simply isn\u2019t possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps your rental contract bars you from tampering with window treatments, or you have no control over your cubicle space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, we\u2019ve got several easy workarounds to ensure you reap the daily benefits of natural light \u2014 without drilling a skylight into the office ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Break free of your four walls by taking your lunch break outside, squeezing in a morning walk before work, or winding down on your patio at the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a double whammy for your health, pair time outdoors with physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercise is known to improve mood, and recent research<\/a> actually links it with increased vitamin D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Worldwide, it\u2019s estimated that 1 billion peopleTrusted Source<\/a> are deficient in this important nutrient \u2014 even in sunny partsTrusted Source<\/a> of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk to your doctor if you suspect your levels have dipped below optimal, and ask if supplementation might be right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Light therapy\u00a0has a proven track record for treating the symptoms that accompany seasonal affective disorder (SAD).<\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth benefits of natural light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Boosts vitamin D<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
2. Wards off seasonal depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Improves sleep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Reduces health risks of fluorescent lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to get more natural light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMirrors, mirrors, on the wall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ditch the drapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Color wisely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reaping the benefits when adding light isn\u2019t possible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGet out when you can<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise outdoors, or by the window at your gym<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Supplement your D<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Try a light therapy lamp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n