Staying Indoors: Cozy Perks and Surprising Pitfalls
With colder, rainy months ahead, we naturally find ourselves spending more time curled up indoors – wrapped in blankets with a hot drink, listening to the patter of rain on the window. It feels safe and restful.
Or maybe like me, you also work from home and find yourself going out a lot less. A home office is very convenient, I can't deny but there is a catch: too much indoor time can mess with our biology and well-being in unexpected ways. For me, I often noticed that the more I stayed inside, the harder it was to make myself go out again and I thought it was just me feeling this way. So I was interested to see what more indoor time can do to our biology and well-being, and here are some things that I found.
The Pros: Why Indoors Can Feel Good
I've talked a lot about cozy rituals and the benefits of staying home, but I think some things deserve mentioning again. A warm, dimly-lit room signals safety to the brain, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest-and-digest” mode) and reducing stress hormones. Rituals like sipping tea, reading a book by lamplight, or wrapping up in a blanket create comforting routines that lower anxiety. Quiet indoor time can also give your mind a break from constant stimuli – allowing for daydreaming, problem-solving, and creativity.
In short, moderate indoor time has perks: it can help you recharge after a busy day, enjoy simple pleasures, and even feel snug during harsh weather. And we all need downtime. The trick is to use that time well and not overdo it.
Original photo - taken and owned by Autmly
The Cons: Why We Have To Be Mindful
Spending too much time indoors can lead to several problems – many of them backed by research. Here are some of the key issues that I managed to pick out:
Less Sunlight = Vitamin D Deficit & Low Mood
Sunlight on our skin creates vitamin D, which is crucial for mood, immunity, and muscle health. Without enough sun exposure, vitamin D can drop and we may feel “fatigued and sluggish” or prone to depression and anxiety.
Sleep and Circadian Disruption
Our bodies’ internal clocks (circadian rhythms) depend on bright daytime light. Indoor lighting is usually much dimmer, so if you stay inside all day, your circadian clock can get out of sync. This often means poor sleep, grogginess, or insomnia. Harvard researchers note that shorter days and less natural light can throw off sleep hormones (more melatonin, less serotonin), which makes us feel “low and lethargic”
Sedentary Lifestyle and Physical Health
The longer we stay inside, the more we tend to be stationary – sitting, napping, or just lounging on the sofa. But when muscles aren’t used regularly, they weaken (and so do bones). Your metabolism slows down and it makes you more likely to gain weight so even small breaks - standing to stretch or doing light chores can help counter the "sitting desease".
Mental Health and “Cabin Fever”
Extended indoor confinement can take a toll on mood and motivation. Psychologists describe “cabin fever” as a collection of symptoms from long isolation: irritability, restlessness, lethargy, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, loneliness, and even sadness or depression. If you happen to spend weeks mostly inside, you may find yourself feeling unusually antsy or low, craving change of scenery. Some studies during lockdowns also found higher levels of anxiety and stress when people couldn’t go out.
Immune and Stress Effects
Staying home alone may also subtly weaken our stress responses and immunity. Lack of sun and social contact can combine to raise chronic stress. In fact, research cited by Business Insider found that prolonged loneliness “can actually interfere with your immune system” and increase stress hormones. So if prolonged indoor time means less interaction or fresh air, you might find yourself catching more colds or just feeling run-down.
Indoor Air Quality
It may surprise you, but indoor air often has a lot of pollutants - dust, mold spores, chemicals from cleaners or laundry. If a home is poorly ventilated, carbon dioxide and irritants can build up, leading to headaches or allergies.So it seems like a good practice to ventilate your space ofter throughout the day.
In summary, while the sofa and tea can help us feel cozy, science shows that too much time indoors come with real risks: vitamin D loss, sleep disruption, reduced fitness, mood dips, and more.
Finding Balance
The key is balance. You can keep enjoying that cozy nest and activities and also stay healthy by incorporating some crucial routines and habits. Like trying to be in the sunlight as much as possible, making time for a short walk or light exercise and staying social.
By understanding the science, we can make smarter choices: cozy when we need rest, but up and about when our body and mind need a little stretch. Here’s to a balanced, healthy season – cozy sweater and open window included. 🍃
Thank you for reading and I hope I see you next time. 🍂
Keep your heart cozy - no matter the season.