For me, indoor plants are more than just decorative elements.
They significantly enhance my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of houseplants, like I do, adding greenery to your space can have numerous benefits.
And, some of these benefits have a real, scientifically backed story, so it’s not just some new trend that a bunch of people will hop on, ride for a couple of months, and jump off…
So, here’s how indoor plants can help improve your health and why they are worth considering.
Improve Air Quality
One of the most widely recognized benefits of indoor plants is their ability to improve air quality.
We all know how photosynthesis works.
Take some carbon dioxide, mix in some light, and you get fresh oxygen.
Research has shown that certain plants can improve indoor air quality by naturally removing unwanted particles, and some of these can really be dangerous to your health.
Some plants like the snake plant and peace lily can help purify the air by removing harmful toxins and releasing oxygen.
Pretty cool, right?
This makes them ideal for places like the living room, kitchen, or office, where air quality can often be compromised due to cooking fumes, electronics, or furniture materials.
Reduce Stress and Boost Mood
Plants are natural stress relievers.
Hard time believing it?
Well, why do you think so many people go out to nature to get their mind sorted?
Studies have shown that simply being around greenery can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Indoor plants like pothos and spider plants are great at creating a calming atmosphere, and their presence in your space can help lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels, which are associated with stress.
The act of caring for plants, whether it’s watering, pruning, or just tending to their needs, can also have a meditative effect.
According to experts, this simple ritual provides a break from the demands of daily life and allows individuals to reconnect with themselves.
I know a couple of people who grow their own gardens, and they are completely convinced that talking to plants results in more produce.
Taking a few moments each day to tend to a plant can offer a sense of purpose and mindfulness, contributing to emotional and mental wellbeing.
Enhance Focus and Productivity
Indoor plants can significantly improve your cognitive function.
Research conducted in Taiwan found that participants in spaces with indoor plants performed better on various cognitive tasks.
Plants like philodendrons and rubber plants not only make a room look appealing but also enhance concentration and memory.
Maybe that explains while the majority of the offices have at least one philodendron :)
Another study from Texas found that employees working in plant-filled environments were 12% more productive compared to those in spaces without plants.
By placing a few plants on your desk or in your office, you can create an environment that supports mental clarity, reduces distractions, and promotes a more focused, energized approach to work.
Improve Sleep Quality
Did you know that indoor plants can help you sleep better?
Certain plants, such as the peace lily and lavender, have soothing properties that can promote relaxation.
Peace lilies are known to improve air quality at night, while lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Plus, it smells so nice…
The calming effects of these plants create a serene environment conducive to restful sleep, making them great additions to your bedroom.
Adding a few plants around your home can signal your body to relax and unwind.
Help with Healing and Recovery
In addition to supporting mental health, indoor plants can assist with physical healing.
Studies have found that patients recovering from surgery or illness who were exposed to plants or had them in their rooms healed faster, required less pain medication, and had shorter hospital stays.
Ferns and boston ferns are examples of plants that, when placed in your home, can help create a more peaceful environment that accelerates the healing process.
The presence of plants has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of pain, which may aid in quicker recovery times.
This is especially beneficial for individuals who are recovering from surgery, illness, or emotional distress.
Natural Humidifiers
Indoor plants also act as natural humidifiers, especially during the colder months when indoor air tends to dry out.
Plants like the bamboo palm and rubber tree help to add moisture to the air through a process called transpiration, where they release water vapor into the environment.
This can alleviate dry skin, dry eyes, and even reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.
In addition, maintaining a more humid environment can help preserve the health of your plants and promote overall comfort in your home.
It’s a natural way to balance the humidity levels without the need for artificial humidifiers or air conditioning.
Boost Creativity and Inspiration
Houseplants not only improve cognitive function, but they also promote creativity.
For those working in creative fields or anyone who needs a burst of inspiration, indoor plants can be incredibly beneficial.
The act of caring for plants, as well as simply having them in your environment, has been linked to increased creativity.
Plants like succulents (Aloe vera, for example) can provide a refreshing aesthetic that nurtures creative thought.
Their unique shapes, textures, and vibrant colors spark the imagination and provide a calming effect.
Incorporating plants into your living or workspace encourages more innovative thinking.
Whether you’re brainstorming for a project or working on a new idea, the presence of plants helps stimulate the mind, making it easier to think outside the box.
Easy-to-Care-For Plants
If you’re concerned about plant care, I know, you’re probably thinking… Who has time for that?
Well, it’s worth noting that many of these health-boosting plants are low-maintenance.
ZZ plants and snake plants are perfect for beginners.
These plants are known for their ability to thrive on neglect, requiring minimal watering and adapting to low light conditions.
So, don’t think about it as having another kid, what a friend of mine said not so long ago :)
Conclusion
Indoor plants offer a wide range of health benefits, from improving air quality and reducing stress to enhancing creativity and aiding in recovery.
By selecting the right plants for your space and caring for them properly, you can create a more inviting, productive, and healthy environment.
Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, improve your sleep, or add a touch of nature to your home, plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos can help you achieve all of this and more.