Are you here because you’ve already collected 52 ½ house plants? Or are you looking at the new possibilities in adopting a couple of fun new plants? Either way, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover some benefits houseplants have to offer to enhance your daily life.
Believe it or not, indoor plants can reduce your risk of illness
Where I’m from (Minnesota, “oofda”!) it’s cold and snowy for the majority of the year. This leaves most humans yearning for outdoor time, fresh air, and green foliage- is that too much to ask?! With cold temperatures, comes the classic winter cold. Plant babies might be able to help you skip that this year! Plants help to purify the air in your home. This property of houseplants can help to reduce dust particles in your living space by as much as 20%! Dust is known to carry toxic substances that can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and in some cases illness. Additionally, if you decide to go the counter-top microgreen route, you’re actively consuming antioxidants in the process to help combat free radicals! Go you!
Your mood- yeah, they improve it!
It’s a natural reaction of humankind to draw energy and optimistic feelings from spending a little time with mother nature. Bringing her into your home can help you stress less, breathe easier, embrace positivity (Pretty flowers?! Come on!), and even be more productive. The age of mental health us upon us and plants are natural and powerful agents in keeping us healthy in more ways than just the physical. Plain and simple, plants don’t judge you, and the stress-reducing qualities can help to dispel anxiety and classic ruts of depression.
They survive us.
Throughout history, botanical materials have sustained our very existence. Many-a-trees have given us the gift of a roof over our heads. Several herbs have dedicated their lives to becoming medicine. Grasses have fed our livestock, along with roots and grains keeping us alive through harsh winters. Today, it is not uncommon to grow a tomato plant on your deck, microgreens on your counter- or a decorative and delicious Meyer lemon tree in a sunny window of the kitchen. Just last winter, my wonderful partner surprised me with an amazingly useful book called “Indoor Kitchen Gardening” by author Elizabeth Millard. She goes into detail on what it looks like to grow your own peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and several more in your own home! This encourages a whole-food diet and results in well-rounded eating-not to mention being super-duper educational in the process!
Good habits! We got em’!
As you could imagine, plants, they require care. Adopting a new plant or growing from seed requires research, care, commitment, and a lil’ love! An area of life that I’ve become pretty darn consistent in is caring for my plant and animal companions. At this point, I really don’t have to think of what to water and when, but for those of you just getting into this lifestyle shift a plant care app may be the way to go. It could also be said that the practice of a regular routine could help you in forming new “healthier” habits. Getting into the routine of caring for, harvesting, and preparing your homegrowns may be just what you need.
Encouraging us to make the world a little greener…
As plants through history have constantly given their everything to us- our beloved houseplants can inspire us to give a little somethin’ back! We can find inspiration that propels us into happier and healthier lifestyles by the magic of plants. Get yourself a pretty new re-usable bag! Maybe use rags to wipe up spills versus paper towels? Or even ditch those *basic* disposable sandwich bags with some ballin’ re-useable ones! There are so many ways to become supportive of the health of our environment- and to be honest, it’s kind of fun.
In our office- we currently house around 30 indoor plants and counting. The boost they provide in our healing environment is unmatched, and we’re never turning back! You hoppin’ on the wagon?
Sources
- EcoWatch. (2019). 7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Having Plants at Home. [online] Available at: https://www.ecowatch.com/health-benefits-of-having-plants-at-home-2608386260.html [Accessed 24 Sep. 2019].
- TODAY.com. (2019). Dust in your home can make you sick: Here’s how to get rid of it. [online] Available at: https://www.today.com/health/dust-your-home-can-make-you-sick-here-s-how-t110831 [Accessed 24 Sep. 2019].