Throughout history, people have added conservatories to homes, schools, health facilities, and botanical centers to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces. These beautiful additions are usually buildings or rooms encased in glass walls and roofs. And while the decorative, sometimes ornate, structures add style and value to properties, did you know that there are also health benefits associated with conservatories?
Mental Well-being and Stress Reduction: Being in the presence of plants and nature has a profound impact on our mental well-being. A conservatory greenhouse provides a serene and tranquil environment where you can escape the stresses of daily life. The sights, scents, and sounds of nature promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mood. Spending time in a greenhouse can be a therapeutic retreat that rejuvenates your mind and promotes a sense of calm.
Improved Air Quality: Plants are natural air purifiers, and a conservatory greenhouse filled with lush greenery can significantly improve the air quality in your home. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making the air fresher and healthier to breathe. The presence of plants also helps remove toxins and pollutants, creating a cleaner and more refreshing indoor environment.
Physical Activity and Exercise: Maintaining a conservatory greenhouse requires regular physical activity, which can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Tasks such as watering, pruning, and tending to plants provide an opportunity for light exercise and movement. Engaging in gardening activities can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance flexibility. It's a productive way to stay active while enjoying the benefits of nature.
Access to Fresh Produce: Having a conservatory greenhouse allows you to grow your own fresh produce, providing you with access to nutritious and pesticide-free fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The joy of harvesting your own food is not only satisfying but also ensures that you have a constant supply of wholesome ingredients. Enjoying homegrown produce promotes a healthier diet and encourages a deeper connection with the food we consume.
Vitamin D Production: Exposure to sunlight is essential for the production of vitamin D in our bodies. A conservatory greenhouse with ample sunlight provides an opportunity to soak up these beneficial rays, especially during the colder months when outdoor sun exposure may be limited. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Stress Reduction and Therapeutic Benefits: Engaging in gardening activities has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The act of nurturing plants, witnessing their growth, and connecting with nature has a soothing effect on our minds and bodies. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of gardening can induce a meditative state, helping to lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall mental health.
Biophilic Connection: Biophilia is our inherent affinity for nature and living things. A conservatory greenhouse allows us to strengthen our biophilic connection by bringing nature into our living spaces. This connection has been shown to boost creativity, enhance productivity, and improve cognitive function. The presence of plants in our surroundings nourishes our innate need for connection with the natural world.
Year-Round Gardening: A conservatory greenhouse provides the opportunity to pursue your gardening passion all year round, regardless of the external weather conditions. It allows you to grow a diverse range of plants, experiment with different species, and indulge in the joy
Because of the health benefits of sunlight, doctors recommend that we get between 10-15 minutes of sunlight every day. This helps lessen a variety of health risks and helps increase our overall physical and mental health.
Vitamin D Creation
Conservatories are often used as sunrooms, or “solariums.” Latin for "place of sun[light],” these rooms permit abundant amounts of sunshine to enter into the building while also providing shelter from adverse weather. Sunlight is one of the best sources for keeping our Vitamin D levels at a healthy level. When exposed to sunlight, our skin creates Vitamin D. Healthy levels of Vitamin D can help prevent bone density loss, muscle weakness, cancer, and other health risks.
Blood Pressure
We all have something called nitric oxide in our skin and blood. Nitric oxide reacts with sunlight by widening blood vessels. Therefore, regular sun exposure can lower your blood pressure which can help decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Mental Health
Have you ever wondered why you seem happier in the spring and summer than you do in the winter? This is a common mental health issue that many people face called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Doctors believe that sunlight increases the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is the hormone we associate with feelings of happiness. The shorter days of winter paired with people being indoors because of the cold weather can cause serotonin levels to fall. This often means that you feel less happy. Having a solarium is an ideal way to spend time in the sun year-round.
What about Too Much Sun?
Using a conservatory to reap the many benefits of sunlight is also a way to combat the dangers of overexposure to the sun. We know that too much sun exposure can cause skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Because sunrooms are made with glass that prevents harmful UV rays from seeping indoors, the sun's rays filter through in a less harmful way. You can have a sunny, beautiful area to enjoy all the benefits of sunlight without the fear of overexposure.