Do you feel pleasure staring at a gorgeous potted plant or look forward to coming home to your plants at the end of the day? There is a reason for this. Being around plants is actually good for us. Some studies even show that just by looking at greenery, we can reduce our anxiety and feel calmer. Beyond the mental health benefits of plants, indoor houseplants can also improve air quality and brighten up any room. Perhaps you already take advantage of these many benefits, or maybe you are discovering the mental health benefits of plants for the first time — in any case, the act of caring for plant life is therapeutic and can improve our mental health. Read on to learn more about all the ways plants and nature directly have a positive influence on our mental health and well-being.
Horticultural therapy is a professional practice that uses plants and gardening to improve mental and physical health. A horticultural therapist works with any group that can benefit from interaction with plants, including veterans, children, the elderly and those dealing with addiction and mental health problems.
