Your Brain On Plants

January 10, 2023

I f*cking love plants.

Is it because I'm a millennial woman and plants have been trending hard as pseudo-children for us for the past several years? Maybe. Is it because I feel a sense of accomplishment that I can keep something alive, even as I struggle to remember to feed myself some days? Also possible.

Mostly, however, I think plants are a sort of self-sustaining cycle of a hobby - and they do wonders for our mental health. Whatever we give to our green thumb babies, they tend to give back tenfold.

Studies show that just spending time around plants can reduce stress, increase feelings of calm, and improve overall well-being. Plants release oxygen into the air, creating a rich environment that helps us feel relaxed and more at ease. Depending on your plant of choice, they may also produce natural scents that can be soothing and help improve our mood.

Not only is being around plants generally good for your well-being, but certain types of house plants have been shown to have specific mental health benefits. Take the snake plant, for example, which has been found to improve air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. The peace lily, on the other hand, has a calming effect and can help reduce anxiety and stress.

For those of us who struggle with routine, caring for plants can itself be therapeutic and provide a sense of accomplishment and mindfulness. This small, simple task can provide an immense sense of accomplishment and do wonders for our mental health!

But it's not just about the direct benefits of being around plants. Having house plants also adds life and beauty to our surroundings, which can improve mood and our overall sense of happiness. Overall, filling your home with houseplants can have a significant positive impact on your mental health. Even the act of caring for plants itself can be therapeutic, providing a sense of accomplishment and helping to clear the mind.

Listen: we've all had a rough go of it the past three years through the pandemic and its consequences. Caring for our mental health happens in all sorts of ways, so why not jumpstart your self-care with a new plant friend?

...speaking of, it's time for me to go and water my own (maybe I'll even grab some water myself, too!).

Yours in greenery,

Samantha DeVries, Social & Content Manager, Huumanize

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