As a little girl, I suffered from horrific allergies. I was never able to be around cats or dogs without losing my ability to breathe. When I went outside to play, I often came back inside with swollen eyes and a rash covering my exposed skin. I learned to accept that my body had a poor reaction to other living organisms.
However, I have seen many articles praising the life of a plant mom and the benefits of having them in your living space. Last week I went out and bought my first two plants! I traveled to my local Lowe’s with my best friend and plant lover; I purchased a Miniature White plant (I named Marjorie) and a Lucky Bamboo (named Stephen).
It has been one week since I brought the two potted plants into my home and it is strange the connection I feel for my new plants. There are many benefits I have noticed just within this week alone:
- Boosted Mood and Mental Health
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Plants are a natural connection to the world around us. When brought inside, plants can clear the air and move you back to reality outside of your home. Bright plants and flowers can improve your mood just by looking at them. Putting plants in working spaces is proven to reduce stress levels. There is a natural increase in positive energy when we connect to our natural environment, decreasing anxiety and stress levels.
- Creativity and Productivity
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Nature, in general, seems to spark the creative part of the human brain. When emerged in nature, the human brain is better at adapting to situations while our problem-solving ability increases. According to one of many studies, houseplants can increase creativity by up to 15%. Maybe it is the disconnection of technology or maybe it is the gain of respect for the natural world; it is unknown why the human brain reacts this way.
- Responsibility
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Welcoming a new plant home is not quite the strain of bringing a new puppy or kitten home, but it can be as exciting. Because plants are alive and do take some degree of caring for, it is natural to form a connection with one. Naming and caring for a new plant shifts your focus on something other than yourself. Making sure they are in a happy, healthy environment is a great way to gain more responsibility without overwhelming yourself with the burdens of a pet.
- Air Purification
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Because of their photosynthesis process, plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, in short, they absorb the air we do not need and release clean air. Clean air is a great step toward a clean mind. It is why we often step out for fresh air when our minds are cluttered and overwhelmed. Why not bring the outdoors inside, in an aesthetically pleasing way!
- Better Sleep
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When plants go through photosynthesis, they are relying on the sun. However, the oxygen released does not stop when the sun goes down. The increase in oxygen levels can lead to a more peaceful sleep and waking up feeling recharged, ready to face the day.
After owning Marjorie and Stephen for a week, I have found a new love for nature, not just in my home but outside of it too. I have been physically more active, pushed to enjoy nature, going on twice as many walks as the previous week. I put my Lucky Bamboo in my art space, and I indulged in more sketching and painting this week than I ever have. The benefits of plants are different for everyone, but it forces a relationship between owner and nature. Growing up in the age of technology, I never understood the importance of that relationship. However, buying just two small houseplants, I have a new understanding and respect for the world around me.
Not all plants have the same effect as others, it is important to do as much research as possible. Plants also respond to the type of environment they live in, it’s crucial to treat them with love and care for them. There is so much to learn from nature. If you are looking for a new way to exercise self-care, I highly recommend going out to buy your own.