How plants can help your mental health.
Written by Plant Sit
Photo by Cassidy Phillips on Unsplash
Plants are pretty incredible, and this month we want to highlight how plants can help our mental health. Last year was tough, and this year is beginning in the same way along with the usual “winter blues”.
And we know that whilst plants alone can’t help, here are some of the amazing things they can do:
1. Lower your levels of anxiety WITH PLANTS:
Surrounding yourself with plants can help you feel more calm and relaxed, thus decreasing levels of anxiety. Many plants, such as the hardy Aloe Vera, do this by purifying the air of irritants that can impact our respiratory system and trigger feelings of unease.
2. Increases attentiveness, memory & productivity:
Being around plants, whether at home or work (often the same thing at the moment!) helps improve memory and attention span by 20% and can increase concentration. Many studies also show that employees were more productive when plants were added to their workspace. We wrote more about this last year in our “Why plants can make you better at your job” article if you want some more information.
3. PLANTS Reduce stress levels and boost moodS:
Caring for plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress as compared with mental work. This may be because caring for plants suppresses sympathetic nervous system activity and promotes comfortable, relaxed, and natural feelings. In our blog, “Why you should get to know your plants” there are many resources which can help increase your plant knowledge so you have the confidence to go forward & care for your plants.
4. Sparks creativity:
It has been said that people are 15% more creative when surrounded by greenery and natural elements. If we need anything this year it’s creativity, whether at work or if we have picked up a new skill during lockdown (hello knitting patterns & caligraphy).
Now that you know what plants can do, start plant shopping! There are lots of beautiful independent plant shops out there, and many you can find loads in Greenrooms Market’s handy Plant Shop Directory. But if you want to discuss your current collection, or are unsure which plants to get for your space, then we offer Online Plant Consultations to help with your decisions.
If you are in need of any more help then please get in touch with some brilliant organisations such as Mind and The Samaritans x