There’s a term that’s gaining attention lately, one that hits home for many of us: The Indoor Generation. It describes a reality that so many of us are living, where most of our days are spent inside—whether it’s our homes, workplaces, or schools. But what does this mean for our health, and more importantly, for the health of our children?
At The Conscious Parent, we’ve always championed the importance of fresh air, sunshine, and time spent in nature. Yet, in our modern world, we’ve seen a shift. Studies suggest that we’re spending up to 90% of our time indoors. For our children, this might mean less time climbing trees and more time in front of screens. While we can’t deny the conveniences and comforts of indoor life, we must ask ourselves: What are we trading off?
The reality of indoor living
Indoor air can often be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This comes from everyday sources we don’t often think about—cleaning products, cooking fumes, synthetic building materials, and even the very furniture we sit on. These pollutants can have a profound impact on our health, contributing to allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems.
Children, with their developing lungs and immune systems, are particularly vulnerable. And as parents, it’s our responsibility to create environments that nurture their growth and health. But it’s not just about health. Spending too much time indoors, away from natural light, can affect our mood and mental wellbeing. There’s a reason why we all feel better after a walk in the park or a day at the beach. Nature has a way of grounding us, of reminding us of what truly matters.
Small changes, big impact
We don’t have to turn our lives upside down to make a difference. Here are some simple, conscious steps we can take to bring more of the outdoors in and ensure our homes are healthy, happy places to be:
- Open the windows: It sounds simple, but letting fresh air circulate can significantly reduce indoor pollutants. Make it a habit to open windows daily, even for just a few minutes, to let fresh air in and stale air out.
- Invest in air purification: For days when the weather doesn’t allow for open windows, or if you live in a city with high outdoor pollution, an air purifier can be a lifesaver. At The Conscious Parent, we’ve chosen Blueair devices for their effectiveness and safety. Unlike many purifiers, they aren’t Wi-Fi enabled, making them safe to use in children’s rooms. They help remove harmful particles and allergens, giving you peace of mind that the air your family breathes is as clean as possible.
- Bring nature indoors: Houseplants are not only beautiful but also natural air purifiers. Plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants can help filter toxins from the air and add a touch of greenery to your space.
- Choose natural cleaning products: Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution. Opt for natural or homemade cleaning solutions to keep your home fresh without the toxins.
- Embrace the outdoors: Make it a family ritual to spend time outside daily. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a trip to the park, or simply playing in the garden, these moments of fresh air and natural light can do wonders for everyone’s mood and health.
Creating balance in an indoor world
Life indoors isn’t going away, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the comforts of our homes. But like everything, it’s about balance. By being mindful of our indoor environments and making small, intentional changes, we can protect our families from the potential downsides of indoor living.
The term Indoor Generation doesn’t have to be a negative one. It can simply be a reminder to find that balance between the modern world and the natural one. Because after all, our homes should be sanctuaries that nurture us, not places that inadvertently harm our health.
Let’s strive to be a conscious generation—one that embraces both the comfort of indoor living and the undeniable benefits of the natural world.
With love,
Emma-Louise and Clare