How Houseplants Can Boost Your Overall Well Being

Our modern and busy lives often keep us cooped up indoors, longing for a connection to nature. This is done the best way by the means of houseplants! It’s no surprise that these leafy companions aren't just pretty to look at but also offer a surprising range of benefits for both your mental and physical health. Though you would be quite aware about their advantages, take a detailed look at them below -

Stress Busters

Feeling overwhelmed? Plants to the rescue! According to the studies, simply being around greenery can reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. Just admiring and around the calming colours and textures of leaves has a relaxing effect, helping us unwind and de-stress.

Mood Booster

Who doesn't smile at the sight of a flower in bloom? Houseplants not only add a pop of colour to your space, but they can also elevate your mood. In fact, caring for your indoor plants, nurturing them and watching them grow has proven to foster a sense of accomplishment and boost happiness.

Sharper Mind, Cleaner Air 

There are hundreds of air-purifying plants that absorb toxins like carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen, creating a cleaner and healthier breathing environment. This further improves cognitive function, boosts focus and even helps you sleep better at night.

Sanctuary for Your Senses

Houseplants don't just benefit your physical health but also engage your senses and create a more calming atmosphere. The soft rustling of leaves can be surprisingly soothing, while some plants like Jasmine, Lavender and Rose even release calming scents. 

Reduced Sickness

Both indoor and outdoor plants are known to reduce the chances of you catching a sickness bug too. Based on the studies, homes and offices with plants see a great drop in sickness rates - over 60% lower.

Growing Confidence with Every Leaf

Caring for plants is quite rewarding! Seeing your plant thrive under your care can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence. It's a small victory but can reflect big changes in other areas of your life, enhancing your self-worth.

Gateway to a Greener You

Other science-backed benefits of owning houseplants are they can lead to a more eco-conscious lifestyle! Caring for them builds a connection with nature and fosters a sense of responsibility for the environment. It's a small step towards a greener you and remember that every step counts.

Jazzing Up

Plants are a budget-friendly and easy way to jazz up any kind of space. Adorn the windowsills with succulents or hanging money plants or add a statement to a room with big and bold gorgeous fiddle leaf figs. Don’t forget to have fun with colourful planters and pots!

A Guide to Choosing the Ideal Indoor Plants

If you are also intrigued by these benefits and cannot wait to literally bring life to your space, here are some easy tips to choose the houseplants of your dreams -

How Many Plants Should You Have?

Though there's no magic number, studies show surrounding yourself with 5+ leafy friends can seriously boost your mood. Some popular and must-have choices include lucky bamboo, Chinese evergreens, Tulsi plant and heart-leaf philodendrons.

If you're short on space, a single tall plant or a cluster of three small flowering beauties like peace lily, sweet peas and woodland sage will work just fine.

What About Colour?

Based on the studies, using English ivy found that green-yellow and bright green leaves upped feelings of cheerfulness and relaxation, while whitish-green leaves triggered not-so-positive emotions.

You can go for a plant with a rainbow of colours that can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Purple and green flowers, in particular, seem to be reducing anxiety. On the other hand, red and yellow roses are more calming and pretty to look at.

Real V/S Fake?

Well, any kind of greenery - even photographs of plants - is better than nothing. But real plants have a much bigger impact on your mood, attention span and relaxation than their artificial doppelgängers. The same goes for flowers! Hence, real plants have mood-boosting properties beyond just the visual.

Where Should You Put Your Plant?

While research is still growing, some studies suggest keeping your leafy companions within 10 feet for maximum mood benefits. Think living rooms, bedrooms and even kitchens! And with the concept of WFH now in full swing, consider placing a plant in your home office for an extra dose of zen.

So, there you have it - The benefits of these little bundles of nature on the overall well-being of a person. Be it reducing stress, boosting your mood and even purifying the air you breathe, you have nothing to lose when surrounded by these magical creatures. So, head to your local or any online nursery, pick out a plant (or two) and watch your inner self blossom alongside your new plant pals.