The Power of Plants: Unlocking a Healthier Mental State
Are you looking for an easy way to boost your mental health? You may be surprised to learn that the answer lies in the unlikeliest of places – your home. A steady stream of research has found a link between indoor plants and improved mood, heightened focus, and increased creativity and productivity. In this article, we will explore the science behind the benefits of plants and provide you with some practical tips on how to get started with your own indoor plant collection.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Interacting with indoor plants promotes comfortable, soothing, and natural feelings, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and other physiological responses to stress. A 2015 study found that elementary school students in classrooms with a wall of plants were better able to maintain a sharpened focus on a task, tuning out other environmental factors, compared to students in classrooms without plants.
- Stress-reducing benefits of plants: reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels
- Improved focus and concentration in students with plants in classrooms
- Reduced stress and anxiety in hospital patients with plants in their rooms or with views of gardens
But the benefits of plants don’t stop there. A 2012 study found that real plants in hospital waiting rooms – and even just posters of plants – reduced patient stress. This highlights the importance of creating a calming and peaceful environment in our homes and workplaces.
Boosting Productivity and Creativity
A 2015 study in England concluded that employees were 15% more productive when indoor plants were brought into their minimalist workspaces. The study found that what was important was that everybody could see a plant from their desk. This suggests that having plants in our workspace can have a positive impact on our productivity and creativity.
- Increased productivity and creativity in employees with plants in workspaces
- Improved focus and engagement in students with plants in classrooms
- Reduced stress and anxiety in patients with plants in hospital waiting rooms
Getting Started with Your Own Indoor Plant Collection
So, how can you get started with your own indoor plant collection? Here are a few tips:
- Visit local nurseries and gardening stores to find low-cost and native plants in your region
- Join online plant communities, such as the Philly Plant Exchange or the Free Plant Exchange, to connect with other plant enthusiasts and find free or low-cost plants
- Attend plant swaps and sales, such as the Philadelphia Orchard Orchard Project’s plant sale, to find new and interesting plants
By incorporating plants into your home and workspace, you can unlock a healthier mental state and enjoy the many benefits of indoor plants.
Native Plants for the Philly Region
Looking for native plants that are free or low-cost in the Philly region? Here are a few options:
| Plant Name | Native to Philly Region | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Balm | Yes | Free |
| Coneflower | Yes | $5-$10 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Yes | $5-$10 |
By choosing native plants that are adapted to your region, you can help support local ecosystems and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the power of plants is undeniable. By incorporating plants into our homes and workplaces, we can unlock a healthier mental state and enjoy the many benefits of indoor plants.
