15 Ways Staying Indoors Can Be Riskier Than Being Outside

This post may contain affiliate links.

We spend so much time indoors, it’s a safe haven, a place to escape from the chaos of the outside world. Most of us think staying indoors protects us from the weather and other things out there that might harm us. We don’t often realize that staying indoors has its own set of risks though.

Being cooped up can actually cause a lot of health and safety issues, from physical hazards to mental health issues. And below are some surprising ways staying inside is riskier than going outside.

Unhealthy Snacking

It’s so easy to mindlessly snack when the fridge is just a few steps away. It’s no secret that spending extended periods indoors can lead to boredom, but boredom often leads to unhealthy eating habits. When you’re stuck inside with nothing better to do, the temptation to munch on junk food is real.

Decline in Cognitive Function

Cognitive stimulation can be limited in the indoor environments and in monotony. If you don’t expose your brain to different experiences or in new surroundings, it become sluggish. On the other hand, outdoor environments present a variety of stimuli that stimulate the brain to stay active and sharp.

Mental Health Decline

When you’re indoors for long stretches, the walls can start closing in. The variety and stimulation from the outside world help your mind not to suffer. If your indoor space is cramped or cluttered, then lack of exposure to different environments can cause anxiety, depression, or stress.

Indoor Accidents

You would not believe it, but accidents happen in the home. Cluttered floors, wet bathroom tiles, rushing around the house — all of these can be a cause for slips, trips and falls. Kitchens are particularly dangerous with the sharp objects, hot surfaces and slippery floors.

Chemical Exposure

There are chemicals in the indoor environment, from cleaning products to air fresheners. Even though these products are appealing to the eye and smell good, they can release dangerous chemicals into the air. Inhaling these toxins can irritate the lungs and lead to long term medical problems such as asthma or allergies.

Increased Screen Time

Photo Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

It’s easy to turn to screens for all the things screens can do: entertainment, work, communication, when you’re stuck indoors. The sad reality is that too much screen time can result in eye strain, headaches, and even disrupted sleep patterns. Phones and computers emit blue light, which messes with your body’s natural clock; your brain is tricked into thinking it is daytime even if it’s not.

Artificial Light Overexposure

12 Products For Anyone Who Has Trouble Falling Asleep At Night — Photo Credit: Pexels

Everywhere in the house, you can find artificial lighting, from bulbs, screens, or electronic devices. This light can mess with your sleep cycle if you’re exposed to it for too long because it suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Have you ever wondered why you can’t fall asleep after spending an evening scrolling on your phone? This might be why.

Stress From Household Chores

Let’s face it: When we stay indoors, we spend most of our time doing unwinding household chores. Suddenly, you’re overwhelmed with piles of laundry, dishes and to do lists, and piles of that stuff can pile up and become too much to handle for keeping a clean and organized space. It’s hard to relax with something always needing to be done around the house.

Poor Air Quality

12 Serious Side Effects of Turmeric That Have Been Carefully Hidden From You — Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pollutants found in indoor air can be 2 to 5 times, and even more, higher than outdoor air. Respiratory issues are caused by the build up of dust, mold, and chemicals from cleaning products and furniture. If you keep your windows closed all day, you may not get the ventilation to clear these irritants out. It’s as if you’re breathing in the same stale air, over and over; living in a bubble of pollutants.

Sedentary Lifestyle

When you’re inside, it’s so easy to get too comfortable. We sit, we scroll, we binge watch, and before long we’ve been stationary for hours. Being sedentary for too long can cause weight gain, heart issues and even muscle weakening. It may be tempting to lounge on a day off, but your body craves movement and the indoor environment usually encourages the opposite.

Lack of Vitamin D

If you spend most of your time indoors, you are missing out on natural sunlight, which is the most common source of Vitamin D. According to the National Institutes of Health, a lack of this vitamin can cause weak bones, a weakened immune system and even mood disorders such as depression. Without stepping outside to get some rays you might begin to feel a bit ‘under the weather’.

Social Isolation

Humans are social creatures. If we spend too long indoors, particularly on our own, we can start to feel isolated. Loneliness can set in without regular interactions with others and you feel sad and disconnected. We all need some social interaction even the most introverted among us.

Limited Exposure to Nature

Things That Makes a Person Instantly Attractive — Photo Credit: Andre Furtado/Pexels

There is something that nature does for our minds and bodies. The more you spend time indoors, the less you get to enjoy the fresh air, the birds’ chirping, and the feeling of peace that comes from being surrounded by greenery. According to Healthline, spending time in nature can lower stress, lift your mood, and even strengthen your immune system.

Overheating

If not well ventilated, indoor spaces can become overheated, especially during summer. Temperature is poor controlled can lead to the discomfort, dehydration and even heat exhaustion. Indoors you might feel safer from the sun’s rays, but without good airflow your home could turn into an oven.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can be found in damp areas of a home, such as basements and bathrooms. If left unchecked these fungi can cause allergic reactions and other health issues, such as respiratory problems. You can’t always see them, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there; growing in the shadows.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.