Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re surely aware of how important spending time outside is for our mind, body, and soul. Not only do we get plenty of fresh air and allow our organisms to produce plenty of vitamin D, which is essential for those happy hormones, but we also get to reconnect with nature and take our minds off other things.
However, as we are often not able to go outside for prolonged periods of time due to work and other obligations, we need to create a space that intends to mimic these benefits right at home. So, if you’re not aware of the amazing benefits you can experience if you introduce greenery to your home, read on to learn more and see how you can actually incorporate it into your abode.
The amazing benefits of introducing greenery
As we said, there are many benefits to being surrounded by greenery. In case you’re not aware of what those are, here is what you can expect.
They can reduce your stress levels
For starters, if you oftentimes find yourself under stress, you can see a big reduction in your stress levels if you introduce some houseplants to your home. A Journal of Physiological Anthropology study found that you can be more soothed and comfortable if you have greenery in your home or office. Researchers were comparing stress responses in two groups of participants: one that had to perform computer tasks and one that had to repot a plant. The study showed that gardening can lower stress while computers can actually cause a spike in blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, the scientists came to the conclusion that greenery can lower physiological as well as psychological stress.
Your attention might be better
Although the sample might be small, a 23-participant study tried to show how being next to a real plant can improve our attention. Some students had a real plant in the room, some a fake one, while there were also those with a photo of a plant and those with no plants at all. Their brain scans showed that attention was better among those participants that had a real, live plant with them. They were able to concentrate better than other students, so don’t try to rely on a fake plant to help you pass exams.
You can be more productive
On the other hand, there are more studies that tried to prove the correlation between plants and higher productivity, and many have concluded that both creativity and productivity can be boosted. A 1996 study found that computer lab students were less stressed and worked 12% faster when there was a plant in the room. Then, in 2004, researchers also found that people were more creative when near a plant. Furthermore, according to a 2007 study, people with plants in their work environment were more productive and took fewer days off.
Plants can help you recover from illnesses
If you’re trying to recover from an illness, surgery, or some sort of injury, looking at greenery can be very beneficial for your progress and even speed it up. Research shows that individuals recuperating from surgery required less medication to deal with the pain and stayed in the hospital shorter than those that weren’t surrounded by plants. However, keep in mind that most studies focus on patients’ progress in a hospital and not at home, but it can’t hurt to try.
They can be therapeutic for mental health
It’s not just physical ailments that greenery is good for. Like we said before, plants can lower your stress levels. However, indoor gardening can be beneficial for your overall mental health. Horticultural therapy is often used to increase positive feelings among individuals with anxiety, depression, dementia, and similar conditions. This type of therapy has been available for centuries and is now increasingly being recommended to patients.
The air quality can be improved
We often think of plants as air-purifying. Adding species like Boston fern, ficus, spider plants and different kinds of palms can be beneficial in your effort to clean your indoor air. However, even though some researchers found that roots and soil can significantly reduce airborne volatile organic compounds, others are calling these findings into question by saying that you’d need a large number of houseplants in order to notice any results. Whatever the outcome, it can only be good for you.
You can be more satisfied with work
No matter if you started working from home during the pandemic or have been a telecommuter for ages, you should know that plants in the home office can improve your outlook on work and help you feel more satisfied. One reason for this might be the plants’ ability to buffer stress and anxiety.
How to introduce greenery
With all the benefits in mind, you might be wondering what the best way of introducing greenery into your home is. Fortunately for all of us, there is no one-size-fits-all solution as both homes and plants come in different shapes and forms and we can try various things to make sure our homes are a safe oasis full of stunning houseplants.
Fill in empty living room areas
If you tend to spend the majority of your time in the living room, you want to start by adding greenery to it. There are many ways how you can approach this. In case you have an empty wall, you can look into adding a living wall that can completely transform the space. On the other hand, there are also smaller things you can do. If there is an empty corner that you simply don’t know how to fill, why not look for a large monstera deliciosa that will not only look gorgeous but also provide you with all the above-listed benefits. On a smaller scale, succulents on the coffee table, snake plants on the side tables, and pothos hanging from a grand bookshelf are all great alternatives. What is more, you can also have a flower arrangement delivered that will act as a stunning centerpiece.
Make your bedroom your sanctuary
Perhaps it’s your bedroom that you actually consider your sanctuary. Luckily, there are many plants that you can get for the bedroom. Many of the previously mentioned can also work in your bedroom, but if you like sleeping in and they wouldn’t get much sunlight through your blackout blinds, consider some low-light houseplants. For example, a peace lily on the nightstand, a ZZ plant on a bookshelf, or a ponytail palm in a lonely corner can all do wonders for you and the space.
Look for the best species for the bathroom
You might think that the bathroom is no space for houseplants, but there are actually many different plants that tolerate high levels of humidity. For instance, different types of ferns are a great solution as well as bamboo, orchids, and the cast iron plant. In case you have only a small window in the bathroom that provides it with little light, pothos and monstera can also work just nicely. Furthermore, from hanging them from the ceiling to placing them on the floor or counter, ways of displaying houseplants in the bathroom abound.
Decorate your office for a pleasant atmosphere
We mentioned how many work benefits you can experience when you surround yourself with plants. So, to be more creative, focused, and productive, you want to add a peace lily to your desk, a fiddle leaf fig on an accent table, or a yucca near the window. There are many houseplants to choose from depending on the style you’re going for and the space you’re working with.
Add some plants to the kitchen as well
The kitchen is the hub of many homes and if it’s the same for your household, incorporate a few varieties that will keep everyone healthy. For example, some trailing plants like pothos and philodendron might work great for your space. The coffee plant and some herbs can be useful alternatives too.
Create a sunroom
If you’re open to a bigger project, you can also consider adding a sunroom to your home where you will house all your plants. By adding a few chairs and a table or a bed, you can use this space to the max and go there to absorb all the benefits when reading a book or drinking tea. Even if it’s raining or snowing, you’ll still be able to enjoy your day to the fullest.
Be wary of harmful and toxic plants
Finally, while plants can be very beneficial, you want to keep in mind that there are varieties that are toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have a small child, cat, or dog, you should learn more about the houseplants you already own or plan on purchasing. If you have some that could harm certain household members, try putting them on a high shelf or placing them out of reach in some other way. Aloe vera, dieffenbachia, English ivy, pothos, and sago palm are just some to be careful about.
As you can see, there are some pretty massive benefits of introducing greenery to your home. Keep these interesting ways of incorporating houseplants in mind to get to experience the various perks.
