The secret life of houseplants: 4 important things they do for you every day

Over the past decades, more and more research has confirmed the positive health benefits of houseplants. Plants’ photosynthesis produces oxygen and absorbs pollutants in the air, providing us with fresher air in our homes. But the power of plants doesn’t stop there: seeing green surroundings has been shown to reduce stress levels and help us concentrate better. If you’d like to tackle your stress levels with a relaxing facial session, take a look here!

Lelah
Wellbeing Tips and Guides
4 min readJun 9, 2024

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Green stress relievers

The hustle and bustle of daily life and urban noise often bring stress and tension. In this modern world, it is especially important to find a haven where both body and soul can rest. The good news is that you don’t have to go far for stress relief — the answer can be found in houseplants. As much as we might want to, we can’t always take long walks in nature. But houseplants allow us to create at least a little green space in our homes. As we admire the fresh and vibrant leaves of the plants, the city noise recedes into the background and the harmony of nature returns for a moment. Science shows that the colour green and the sight of natural elements have a calming effect on our nervous system. In an environment full of houseplants, stress hormone levels can be reduced, making it easier and calmer to cope with everyday challenges. It’s no coincidence that a walk in the park or a garden can make you feel much better after a long day. The home office has many advantages, but there is also the danger that work can be at the expense of relaxation. Houseplants can help here too: a green environment can not only increase work efficiency, but also create relaxing moments during breaks.

Fresh air all over your home

Our home is where real life happens. That’s why the environment we live in must be clean and fresh. Houseplants can be a real superhero in this respect, not only decorating your home but also cleaning and freshening the air. During the day, houseplants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which allows us to breathe in more pleasant air. In addition, the leaves of plants actively remove pollutants and harmful chemicals from the air, which can easily accumulate in homes due to modern lifestyles. Carbon dioxide, which we breathe out ourselves, is also present in the air. Houseplants absorb this carbon dioxide and exchange it for oxygen, helping to freshen the air and improve our oxygen supply. In addition, plants can also help to control indoor humidity, which can be particularly important during the winter heating season or when using low-humidity air conditioning systems. Green plants in the home not only decorate spaces, but also create a real green oasis in everyday life. As your eyes rest on fresh green leaves, your mind can also relax after polluted city air and daily stress. Plants, through their refreshing air, contribute to making your home a truly livable and healthy place.

Improving sleep quality

A good night’s sleep is not just about a comfortable mattress. Your home environment can also be a key factor in your night’s restfulness. Fortunately, houseplants can be a straightforward way to improve sleep quality. We don’t just need oxygen during the day; breathing clean, fresh air at night is also important. Houseplants continue to photosynthesise at night, which means they produce oxygen. In this way, plants can help improve the air in the room, contributing to a more restful quality of sleep. The colour green has a calming effect on the human brain. A few glances at your houseplants before bed can help quiet the mind and create an easier transition to restful sleep. A few leaves or a small garden plant in your bedroom can create a natural relaxation. There is a strong link between stress and sleep. After a stressful day, our bodies and minds find it hard to switch off at night. Houseplants, which also have a stress-relieving effect, can also help improve sleep quality. A relaxing environment and fresh air can help the body and mind find peace of mind more easily.

Better concentration and productivity

In the fast pace of modern life, it’s easy to lose focus and energy. At work or while studying, our brains can often feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, the solution doesn’t have to be a long coffee — indoor plants can also help you to focus and perform better.

Our brains respond to environmental stimulation, and the presence of green plants is a positive stimulation that can improve creativity and brain power. In a green environment, the human brain can focus its attention more easily and therefore perform tasks more efficiently. So, if you’re looking for a higher level of performance in your home office or school, it’s worth considering getting some houseplants. Not only do houseplants encourage the brain to pay more attention, they also promote a calm, meditative state. The presence of plants can help slow down your thoughts and make it easier to stay on task. This can be particularly useful when you have a complex problem to solve or you’re studying for long hours.

Plants are more than decorations — they are real helpers in making our homes and lives healthy and harmonious. So don’t hesitate to choose the right plants, take care of them with care and enjoy the benefits of green beauty and health.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/benefits-of-indoor-plants

https://time.com/6258638/indoor-plants-health-benefits/

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/houseplants/for-human-health

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