How Houseplants Can Benefit Your Mental Health
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Houseplants provide more benefits than an aesthetically pleasing living room. Especially during the past few years (and evident throughout social media), many people became happy “plant parents” by buying and learning how to care for all types of indoor plants. For many, the plants became a new hobby and [refreshing home decor. However, houseplants provide more benefits than just a pretty home. They can also benefit a person’s mental and emotional health in various ways.
Overall, experiencing nature is good for the body, mind, and soul. With the colder months soon arriving and everyone spending more time indoors, consider bringing houseplants into your home to improve your mental health and well-being. Read below for five mental health benefits of houseplants.
5 Mental Health Benefits of Houseplants
Creates a Calming & Healthier Environment
Having house plants throughout your home creates a clean, calm, and serene environment. They can give your home a relaxing vibe by removing toxins to improve air quality, along with easing your mind, especially if you’re feeling down or not having a good day. You can turn your whole home or a specific area in your living space into your oasis by placing the plants throughout thoughtfully. Such places are your bedroom, a home office, living room, or even where you do your yoga. Your home should be a place of peace and if adding houseplants can help with that, why not add some fresh greenery?
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness is a beneficial way to improve your mental health and caring for houseplants can help you do so. Licensed Doctor of Psychology, Aniko Dunn, states, “Indoor plants not only beautify your space, taking care of them can have a profound effect on you as you get lost in the moment while providing them care. This is an example of mindfulness.” Adding houseplants to your home and routine helps you practice this technique, especially if you are not already doing so. Being present and aware of where your whole being is in the current moment can help prevent unnecessary stress and worry, thereby leading to improved mental health.
Reduces Anxiety & Stress
Bringing nature into your home not only brightens rooms, but can also brighten your mood. Professional Herbalist, Barbi Gardiner, shares that plants can also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. A 2007 study found that a bacterium in plant soil called Mycobacterium vaccae triggers the release of serotonin, which lifts mood and reduces anxiety. The release of this hormone from your plants is a benefit to your mental health, since it can uplift you if you’re feeling down, provide feelings of happiness, and help to stabilize your entire well-being. Your common houseplants can serve as an all-natural mood booster by simply being around your living space.
Increases Focus & Concentration
When you’re not in a good mood, you may lack focus and feel unproductive. Houseplants can also help you with that! Pol Bishop, a UK-Based Gardening & Plants Expert, states that, “The most important benefit plants have is being able to boost productivity and increase energy levels.” When in need of a little more focus and concentration, consider having a houseplant near you, especially in your work area. Bishop also adds, “... Just make sure to choose plants that will tolerate the conditions in your working space.” If you are a houseplant beginner, or don’t have a green thumb, consider adding low-maintenance succulents to your home. Along with staying on task, being more focused allows you to be more creative! Therefore, your plants can boost your creative juices to get your tasks done in improved ways!
Helps Provide Purpose to Your Day
Taking care of your plants can give you a sense of purpose in your day. Being part of the “plant parenthood” can be very rewarding, especially when you see the plants grow as you care for them. Choosing to take care of your plants can become a meaningful part of your day, which can further the benefits for your mental health. It can help you stay present and decrease the time your mind wanders throughout your day. Taking care of your plants can also give you something to look forward to and bring some joy. This type of positivity and excitement can always give you that mental boost!
How To Get Started
Choose Where You Want to Put Your New Houseplants
Take a look at your home and see where you think would be the best place to put your incoming houseplants. Again, thoughtfully consider each space. Areas to think of are: your bedroom, home office, desk, living room, or even your bathroom. The important thing to consider is the size of the plant and to make sure it fits where you’d like to put it.
Go Shopping!
This is the fun part! Go out shopping for your new houseplants. Altogether the majority of plants can provide mental benefits, certain plants serve specific purposes. For example, according to Affinity Health, the common snake plant can positively impact how you sleep and relieve stress. Consider checking out your local nursery to support a small business and get real-time suggestions from the employees. Other options to consider are new online plant shops, such as The Sill, My City Houseplants, and even Amazon!
Find Some Design Inspiration
Design inspiration can come from anywhere! However, if you’re having trouble on how to aesthetically place your new “plant baby,” consider looking at Pinterest or checking out hashtags on Instagram to find some inspo! Have fun with these new home additions and discover what is most functional for you and your wellbeing.
Common plants to Consider
If you’re just getting started, it’s best to choose low-maintenance houseplants to prevent any discouragement and added stress, especially if they die early. If you’re a seasoned plant owner, you can always challenge yourself with a more temperamental variety. Here are a few plants to consider adding to your home.
ZZ Plant
Easily one of the most forgiving of all indoor houseplants, the ZZ Plant can adapt to a variety of conditions, including low light environments. In fact, it is one of the only plants that can grow under fluorescent lighting, which is why you commonly will see this plant in office buildings.
Our Pick:
ZZ Plant
Costa Farms
Aloe Vera
An aloe vera plant is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants to take care of. On top of providing a refreshing environment, this plant provides other health benefits for your skin, digestion, and oral health.
Our Pick:
Aloe Vera
Cactus Limon
Snake Plant
Snake plants are low maintenance and absorb airborne toxins. The plant filters your environment to enhance your sleep and even your mood. Plus, it can help you breathe easier with this fresher air. Consider placing multiple snake plants throughout your home!
Our Pick:
Snake Plant
Plants For Pets
Chinese Evergreen
A Chinese Evergreen is known to be a must-have houseplant because of its numerous benefits. This easy-to-grow plant emits more oxygen than an average plant, too. It also rids any toxins in the air and, by removing them, the plant can enhance productivity and concentration. It is also known as the “lucky” plant in the world of feng shui and brings fortune into your home.
Our Pick:
Chinese Evergreen
Costa Farms
Lavender
There is a reason why lavender is in almost everything—from beverages, soaps, lotions, and pastries. It is known for its relaxing and softening properties. A lavender plant can relieve stress and anxiety, which is beneficial for anyone’s mental health!
Our Pick:
Lavender Munstead
Easy To Grow
Note: While lavender can be grow indoors, it much prefers to be in an outdoor area with bright, direct sunlight, such as a patio or balcony.
Taking care of your mental health looks differently for everyone, but it should not be overlooked. We all have our off days and if there are simple ways to relieve any stress or anxiety—such as adding houseplants to our home—why not give it a try? Your home is your personal sanctuary where you should feel your most relaxed and at peace. Prioritizing your mental health is a fluid process. However, the most important thing is to find what works best for your mind, body, and soul.
