The Mental Health Benefits of Houseplants: Why You Need More Green in Your Life

    Houseplants have become a popular trend in recent years, with more and more people turning to them as a way to beautify their homes and improve their health. But what is it about plants that makes them so beneficial for our mental well-being?

    For one, simply being around plants can have a calming effect on our minds and bodies. This is likely due to the fact that plants emit phytoncides, natural compounds that are known to have a positive effect on our mood and reduce stress levels. In fact, a study from the University of Hyogo in Japan found that spending time in a forest environment, which is rich in phytoncides, can significantly reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

    Moreover, plants can help to improve our cognitive function. A study from the University of Michigan found that being around plants can improve memory retention and attention span, which can have a positive impact on our productivity and overall quality of life. Similarly, a study from the University of Exeter found that workers in offices with plants were more productive and had better concentration than those in offices without plants.

    In addition to improving cognitive function, plants can also have a significant impact on our emotional well-being. A study from the University of Essex found that people who spent time in a park or natural environment had lower levels of depression and anxiety than those who did not. Similarly, a study from the University of Sheffield found that people who had access to green spaces were happier and had a better sense of well-being.

    One of the reasons that plants are so effective in improving our mental health is that they provide a sense of connection to the natural world. This can be especially important for people who live in urban environments and do not have access to green spaces or nature. By bringing nature indoors, we can create a more calming and peaceful environment that promotes overall well-being.

    Another benefit of indoor plants is that they can help to improve air quality. Certain plants are known to remove toxins from the air and increase oxygen levels, which can lead to better sleep quality and improved overall health. Some examples of air-purifying plants include the spider plant, peace lily, and snake plant.

    In conclusion, there are many reasons to incorporate houseplants into your daily life. From improving cognitive function and reducing stress levels to providing a connection to the natural world and improving air quality, plants have a wide range of mental health benefits. So why not take a trip to your local nursery or garden center and add a few new plants to your collection? Your mental health will thank you for it.

 

See below for some studies on mental health and houseplants:

- Reduction in Stress: A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. Participants who spent time with indoor plants experienced a significant decrease in their blood pressure and felt less anxious and stressed. (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4419447/)

- Increased Productivity: A study conducted by the University of Exeter found that having plants in the workplace can increase productivity and job satisfaction. Participants who worked in an office with plants reported being 15% more productive than those who worked in a plant-free environment. (source: https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/featurednews/title_409094_en.html)

- Boost in Mood: A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that indoor plants can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Participants who had plants in their home reported feeling more optimistic, relaxed, and happy. (source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494409000413)

- Better Sleep: A study conducted by NASA found that certain indoor plants can improve the quality of air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels. This can lead to better sleep quality, which is essential for mental health. (source: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19930073077)