Indoor plants have been shown to improve indoor air quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and help people feel more relaxed. These benefits are often overlooked by those who don’t have a green thumb or live in a small apartment without much space for plants. The good news is that indoor plants can be as simple as a cactus on your desk or as lush as an indoor garden with lots of different types of greenery. This blog post will explore the many ways indoor plants can bring mental and emotional health into your home!
5 Ways House Plants Enhance Your Mental and Emotional Health
Plants can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
Indoor and outdoor plants can alleviate symptoms of depression by releasing serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, sleep patterns and libido in humans; it has also been linked to alleviating anxiety. One study from 2007 found M vaccae bacterium present in soil where plant roots are growing as well as the brains of mice exposed to this bacteria; thus leading researchers to conclude exposure antibacterial could benefit human health too if ingested or absorbed through skin contact with these organisms (Vaccari).
Boost air quality inside the house
NASA researches have found that plants can improve air quality. For example, they control humidity levels in the room and help during winter months when there’s low moisture content in the atmosphere.
Houseplants give you a taste of nature
Spending time with houseplants can be just as beneficial to our health and well-being, because they remind us of nature. Touching soil, pruning them, smelling the air around them all have been shown in studies to reduce stress levels by ~5% (Journal of Physiological Anthropology).
Better concentration and memory
Spending time outside by plants can increase memory retention, according to a recent study from the University of Michigan. Researchers found that this effect was even more pronounced when participants were exposed to nature as they completed tasks and tests related to memorization (i.e., learning new information). The researchers believe these results may be due in part because being near green spaces has been shown to have calming effects on people’s moods which allows them focus better while studying or completing work-related assignments at home or school.
Indoor plants can make you more productive and boost your creativity
Studies have shown that exposure to plants can increase creativity in people.
Many research studies related to plants have shown an increased level of creativity both at school and work. These results acknowledge the proof that being around nature increases our brains’ potential for creative thinking, as well as increasing cognitive functions such as memory retention which leads us to learn quicker than those who are not exposed or surrounded by green spaces (Fincham & Sternthal 1981). This supports my hypothesis on how we need more time outside in order take full advantage of what Mother Nature has given all human beings-the ability for greater insight into innovative ideas!
Recommended Indoor- House Plants
The first indoor plants that can help improve mental and emotional health are succulents with their low water requirements. Succulents are great for those who don’t have time to check on the plant every day or live in a dry environment without access to indoor irrigation systems. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures which makes them a great indoor plant for any space.
Second, indoor plants with low water requirements can help you de-stress at the end of your day. Low lighting near the end of the day is said to be most relaxing and beneficial to our mental health because it triggers melatonin production in our brains, which induces relaxation. This means that even if you can’t keep indoor plants with low water requirements, the sun can do an equally great job of calming your body and mind. For more tips on bringing good fortune and happiness into your life, check out Good Luck Plants.
The third indoor plant that we recommend are air-purifying houseplants such as spider lilies (Chlorophytum comosum) or Mother-in-law’s tongues (Sansevieria trifasciata). You can find these plants here. These indoor plants have been shown to reduce indoor air toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They also help increase humidity levels, which can decrease the risk of respiratory infections and inflammation in your lungs! To explore more about symbols of happiness and good fortune, read Chinese Good Luck Charm.
For additional inspiration on incorporating elements of happiness into your home and life, consider learning about Lucky Birds and Koi Fish Symbolism. Finally, if you want to express your newfound joy in writing, check out How to Show Happiness in Writing.