In the UK, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Despite the mental and physical health benefits of being outside, most of us don’t spend enough time in our gardens. Isn’t it time we changed that?
Step under an awning and the outdoors starts to feel different: calmer, cooler, and more inviting. It’s a small change that can make spending time outside feel like second nature.
Protects against harmful UV rays
This is the most obvious answer, but it’s also one of the most important. After all, sun protection is the reason awnings were invented in the first place. During the hottest part of the day when the sun is high in the sky, the UV rays also tend to be the strongest. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is linked to skin damage, premature ageing, and even skin cancer.
A high-quality fabric awning provides shade and blocks the vast majority of UV radiation. Spending time out in your garden becomes a lot safer, especially for children, the elderly, or anyone with fair or sensitive skin. It’s a simple way to reduce the risk of sunburn and ensure that your outdoor space is genuinely safe as well as comfortable.
Reduces heat-related risks
During a heatwave, direct sun exposure can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. The risk is even higher for those who are very young or very old. Awnings provide an immediate barrier against excessive heat, both indoors and outdoors.
By shading windows and glass doors, awnings also reduce solar gain. That helps keep indoor temperatures lower without relying on fans or air conditioning. Since dry, recirculated air can aggravate respiratory issues, that’s better for your health as well as your energy bills.
Provides a comfortable place to exercise outside
Exercising in the great outdoors brings an added dimension to the health benefits regular activity provides. Studies show that when we spend more time outside, we can improve our mood and sleep quality. For some individuals, there are even benefits for respiratory health.
An awning gives you the best of both worlds: all the physical and mental benefits of working out in fresh air without the discomfort of the sun’s direct glare. It’s also a good way to protect any garden gym equipment from heat and sun damage over time.
Whether you’re stretching on your yoga mat, lifting weights or taking on a new calisthenics challenge, a shaded outdoor zone makes it easier to prioritise your physical health without having to set foot in a gym.
Boosts mental wellbeing
Natural light and fresh air are proven mood boosters. But too much sun can drive people indoors again, especially during the warmer months. Awnings provide much-needed shade in the middle of the day when the sun is intense. With a designated place to enjoy, you’re more likely to spend time outside.
Having a shaded garden corner or patio area can also help you get out for some fresh air even on a drizzly day. With the right furniture, you can create a cosy nook for meditation, reading a book, or any other mindfulness activity you enjoy. Awnings also provide an opportunity to create a digital-free zone on your property. Even if it’s only for half an hour, you can take a break from your screen and enjoy some face-to-face connection with a loved one over coffee.
Improves indoor air quality
Summer heatwaves are becoming ever more common in the UK. When our homes overheat, our first instinct is often to shut the windows and turn on the fan or air conditioning. But that can often lead to poor ventilation and stale indoor air.
Because awnings that sit above your windows or double doors reduce heat gain, they can allow you to keep your windows open more often and improve airflow throughout your home. Natural ventilation helps reduce indoor pollutants, improves oxygen levels, and makes your living space more comfortable.
Supports better sleep
If your bedroom tends to overheat in the day, a lot of that heat lingers on into the evening and can make it much harder to fall asleep (especially in the summer when the sun sets so late).
Awnings help keep indoor temperatures more stable by shading rooms during the hottest parts of the day. This can lead to more restful, deeper sleep, while also supporting your natural circadian rhythms by preventing sudden shifts in temperature or harsh light in the evening and early morning.
Creates safer play spaces for children
Kids love to be outdoors, but their skin is sensitive to sun exposure. An awning makes it easy to turn your patio, deck, or garden corner into a shaded area where your children can play without risk of overheating or sunburn.
Keeps pets cool and comfortable
Pets suffer in the heat just as much as we do, but they often don’t show it until it’s too late. Awnings provide a shady retreat where your beloved pets can cool down, nap or relax in safety. They also help protect paws from hot surfaces like patios or artificial grass.
Some final thoughts
If you would like to spend more time outdoors, an awning can quietly support your health every day. From skin protection to mental wellbeing, they contribute to a healthier, more comfortable way of living by encouraging us to get outdoors in a safe and protected way.
If you’re thinking about adding an awning to your garden, balcony or patio, we’d be happy to help you explore your options. Get in touch today to book a free consultation and find out which awning setup is right for your lifestyle.
