In the past few years, flowers and plants and their effects on the mind have been studied extensively by scientists and psychologists who are trying to find new ways to improve the mental health of individuals who are prone to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress caused by modern lifestyles. This study led to the invention of floral or plant therapy, where there were positive results exhibited in individuals who surrounded themselves with flowers and plants that made them happy.
If you’ve always wanted to invest in plants as your home decor but don’t really have the time to go to your local plant store, check out Bouqs.com where you can order any plant you’d like at discounted prices. In this article, we’ll go over the many proven reasons why plants really can improve your mood significantly. Happy reading!
1. They Are Stress Busters
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There are many methods people employ to reduce the stress and strain they feel in their everyday lives. It might be listening to classical music, baking, reading, going for a stroll, etc. But there is one way you can combat stress which does not involve an activity of some sort – having houseplants.
Scientists have studied a significant reduction in the stress levels of those who fill their homes with house plants and flowers. According to a paper published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, interaction with houseplants on a daily basis has proven to reduce psychological stress to a significant degree. This is because the sight of plants can automatically boost your mood as it triggers the brain to produce serotonin. This makes house plants act as a natural antidepressant as it gets rid of depressive moods and anxiety causing thoughts that are a result of a lack of serotonin in the brain.
Apart from this, a study has proved that the sight of indoor plants makes you feel more attuned to nature, even if you live in the heart of the city. This gives you the same relaxing feeling you might feel if you were to take a stroll through a forest or garden when you’re on your annual holiday. Imagine how relieving it must feel to trigger those happy emotions from your own home every day simply by having a few potted plants around the house.
2. They Improve Your Health and Wellbeing
Not only do they help remove stress and create a calming home or work atmosphere, but they have proven health benefits as well. According to research that was conducted by the American Lung Association, indoor air tends to be more polluted than the air outside due to the lack of fresh air and good air circulation. Common air pollutants that were found inside homes and buildings were mold, radon, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
These not only cause long-term health problems like asthma but also can cause dry eyes, headaches, and other respiratory problems. However, having indoor plants that are meant to purify the air can help reduce the number of pollutants found inside the building and can help you have a healthier lifestyle. This proves that apart from taking care of your mental health, they can also increase your physical wellness and that’s got to leave you feeling better. The placement of the plants in your home is also crucial to bring about positive change to your wellbeing. Take a look at this article from Swiss Interior on how to complete the look of your house with plants.
3. They’re a Delight to the Senses
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Not only do they boost your mood by triggering the production of serotonin, but they also alleviate stress by making your home look more aesthetic and pleasing to the eye. It’s a known fact that more people are focusing on interior design and its effects on the mind as studies show that the physical atmosphere around you plays a role in how your mood is affected too. Having plants that ignite feelings of happiness, calmness, and relaxation.
Additionally, even the soil of indoor plants is said to contain microbes known as ‘outdoorphins’ that also function as natural antidepressants. On the whole, plants are said to have a significant impact on the brain’s mental activity, heart activity, and muscle tension of those who are surrounded by them.
A study in the UK showed that having indoor plants increased the cognitive capabilities of people, especially their creative and problem-solving skills. People also felt a boost in their mental energy and productivity when they were made to work in a room with plants and flowers. In addition to this, being around plants has proved to increase the memory power of individuals to up to 20%. This is one of the reasons why many offices are starting regarding flowers and plants as essentials when it comes to the interior decor of the workspace.
4. They Help You Sleep Better
Not only are they a delight to your senses when you’re awake and conscious, but they also aid in providing you with better sleeping patterns. You must remember that not all plants are perfect to have around in your bedroom, as plants generally release oxygen during the day and carbon dioxide at night. However, there are certain plants such as orchids, succulents, and snake plants that do the opposite and emit oxygen at night, making them perfect for the bedroom and other sleeping areas. Naturally, you tend to have a better sleep when there are plants around you that give you fresh air even while you sleep.
5. They Help You Recover
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Whether you’ve suffered from a major accident or injury or just feel like you’ve been down in the dumps for a while now, plants can help you recover faster if you surround your recovery area with them. A study conducted in 2002 discovered that people who were healing and recovering from several kinds of injuries needed fewer pain killers and medication than those who were not constantly looking at lush greenery during their recovery period. This may be one of the reasons why bouquets are given as recovery gifts to those who are recovering from various ailments.
The next time that you feel like you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, buy a couple of house plants to have around you before you start noticing an instant improvement in your overall mood.
