How House Plants Can Improve Your Mental Health
It has been proven that our mental health is improved when we are out in nature, so why not bring it into your own home?
Houseplants can have a lot of the same effect as being outdoors. During the winter months here in Colorado it is tougher to see much greenery which is a big reason why I love to have plants in my home. In a Harvard Health Publishing article, Dr. Jason Strauss said, “Having something pleasant to focus on like trees and greenery helps distract your mind from negative thinking, so your thoughts become less filled with worry.” Just the sight of plants can take your focus away from other stressors you may have in your life.
The Journal of Physiological Anthropology conducted a study, published in 2015, that found, “active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress”.
Local plant owner, Trinity Slayton, says her favorite part of caring for houseplants is repotting because, “it’s very hands on and I feel accomplished once it is in a cute new pot. I’m happy and it’s happy too.” This kind of physical care is beneficial to us humans. Brynne Adams, another plant mom in Fort Collins, also feels more calm when she interacts with her plants. Adams says her favorite plant is her sensitive plant because, “when you touch it, its leaves close and it opens and closes with the sun.”
House plants may sometimes seem like they require a lot of attention but that is not always the case. Creating a schedule and routine with your plant’s needs can also improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Piedmont explains in further detail how a routine is helpful in our lives. You can find the right kind of plants based on how much responsibility you are wanting to add to your life. Adams says she likes having plants to keep her accountable and help get her day started. And Slayton mentioned her favorite plant she owns is her snake plant because they are low maintenance.
The way we surround ourselves is very important to our mental health and having some plants in your space is helpful. It is soothing to care for another living thing that relies on you.
In an NBC News article, Sophie Lee says, “caring for a living thing gives us a purpose and is rewarding — especially when you see that living thing bloom and thrive”. I have loved watching all of my plants grow and it feels so good to know that I was the greatest influence for their growth. And the blooming flowers never fail to bring a smile to my face.
I see it almost like a balanced exchange. We can help plants grow and they can help us stay in a routine and help better our stress and mental health. House plants are not only for filling space in a home. They come with lots of great qualities and benefiting mental health is one of their most powerful.
This global pandemic has impacted many people around the world and it seems like we are all itching for some more structure to keep us sane. House plants is a fun and great way to do that.
