Filling your home with houseplants is an easy way for you to be
happier and healthier.
The health benefits of indoor plants are numerous. Here are three
reasons why you should have more plants in your life!
Reason 1: Less Stressful Life
In 2010, a Japanese study explored the effects of Shinrin-yoku or
“forest bathing”. This study concluded that spending time in nature
lowered stress levels, reduced blood pressure, and had an overall
relaxing effect on the body. However, most of us spend 85% of our
time indoors and can’t wander through a forest every day.
Luckily, houseplants are an easy way to bring the outside in and reap
the restorative and calming effects of nature. A study published in
the Journal of Physiological Anthropology showed that active
interactions with houseplants—like transplanting, pruning, touching,
and smelling—have the same relaxing and stress-reducing effects as
spending time in a forest. So next time you’re feeling stressed,
overwhelmed, or just in a bad mood, go and spend some time enjoying
your plants!
Reason 2: Improve the Air You Breathe
NASA’s famous study showed that one of the remarkable benefits of
indoor plants is their ability to improve the quality of the air. Not
only do plants increase the oxygen in our homes, but their root
systems are incredibly effective at removing volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). VOCs such as Benzene, Formaldehyde, and
Trichloroethylene are found in everyday materials like paint, carpets,
and plastics. NASA discovered that houseplants act as natural air
purifiers and can remove up to 87% of toxins in a day.
Reason 3: Increases Productivity & Creativity
Who doesn’t want to get more out of every day? Another one of the many
health benefits of indoor plants is that they improve cognitive
function. A Texas A&M study found that having indoor plants in the
workplace greatly improved idea generation, creative problem-solving,
and boosted concentration. A similar study by the University of
Michigan also showed that being around plants increased memory
retention up to 20%! If you’re feeling uninspired or having a hard
time focusing, adding a few plants to your office or studio could be
just what you need to unlock your next great idea.