Much More than a Pretty Face: 8 Health Benefits of Plants

Sure plants are pretty and smell great, but did you know that many plants can actually benefit your physical and mental health?

Have you ever noticed that when you clean your house, you feel a sense of calm and satisfaction? Everything looks brand new and even the air smells fresh and clean. Did you know that having indoor plants can actually have the same effect on your mood? Plants are natural air purifiers and can produce scents that can improve your state of mind. Here are eight ways that plants improve your health.

1. Breathing Quality

Plants are natural air filters that absorb gases and release oxygen. Having an indoor plant or two can significantly improve the quality of air we breathe and can even help improve symptoms of allergies such as coughing, sneezing, and stuffy noses.

2. Memory

Studies show that being surrounded by plants can improve memory retention by up to twenty percent. Scientists believe this improvement happens because plants improve the quality of the air we breathe. They remove toxins that we would otherwise inhale and that could negatively impact memory and focus.

3. Happiness

There are many reasons why plants help improve happiness. Plants need sunlight, which means you naturally get more sunlight in return. Natural sunlight has been proven to support happiness and overall life satisfaction. Plants also introduce bright colours into our spaces, and exposure to colour is beneficial to mental health. Being surrounded by colourful plants can simply make us feel happier.

4. Productivity and Motivation

Having indoor plants or an outdoor garden may feel like a chore, but it is often one we actually enjoy. By taking responsibility for caring for plants each day, we experience a sense of productivity and accomplishment. Similar to making your bed in the morning, these small tasks help us build momentum and motivation throughout the day.

5. Creativity

Plants can help foster creativity in several ways. Their colours, textures, and natural beauty improve mood and create a more inspiring environment. When you feel relaxed and happy in your space, creative ideas are more likely to flow.

6. Anxiety and Stress

Plants help calm and soothe the senses, allowing us to approach tasks and challenges with a clearer mind and more balanced emotions. By improving overall happiness and well being, plants naturally help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

7. Self Esteem

Self esteem is positively affected by completing tasks and seeing results. Caring for plants provides a tangible sense of achievement. Watching something grow from seed to bulb to flower builds pride and confidence in what we are capable of creating.

8. Sleep

Many fragrant plants give off calming scents such as lavender, jasmine, and gardenia. These natural aromas help the body relax, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. They are wonderful additions to bedrooms and quiet spaces.

Plants do more than decorate our homes. They quietly support our health and well being in ways we often do not notice. Whether you start with one easy care plant or fill your space with greenery, plants are a simple and natural way to care for yourself and your environment. If you are not sure where to begin, visit us in store and let us help you choose plants that will thrive in your home and make you feel good year round.