Adopting a healthier lifestyle can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Make use of the health benefits of houseplants to promote healthier living.
Getting healthy can seem daunting, with so much advice and varying opinions, how do you even begin? Luckily, adopting a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be as confusing as one may think. There are plenty of ways to become healthy without having to start a new diet or workout regimen.
In fact, simply adding new plants into your home can ignite a multitude of health benefits, and without sweat. Plants are truly the ultimate health supplement, healing our bodies, providing cleaner air, reducing our stress, and keeping us calm. Here are some of the amazing benefits houseplants have to offer.
Health Benefits of Houseplants: Breathe Cleaner Air
90 percent of our time is spent indoors, and the air we breathe is likely polluted. In fact, indoor air is more polluted than the air outside. Thankfully, many houseplants act as air filters removing toxic chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde from our air supply.
In the 1980s NASA completed a study of a variety of houseplants finding more than 30 that act as filters, such as the Snake plant, Boston Fern, and Peace Lily. If it’s good enough for NASA and the space station, it’s good enough for us.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Do you find yourself feeling calmer in nature, surrounded by trees and plants, compared to the hustle and bustle of city life? Well, it’s not just due to the quiet of your escape.
It’s been shown that plants have the ability to boost mood as well as decrease stress. Participants in a 2008 study who had indoor plants in their hospital rooms reported less stress and a better outlook on their prognosis.
Health Benefits of Houseplants: Heal Faster
In addition to reducing stress, plants can actually improve healing time! Studies have shown that patients recovering from surgery who have a view of a garden or plants actually recover quicker than those who face a wall or have no windows overlooking plants and trees. Don’t forget to bring your loved ones plants whenever they’re sick.
Increase Focus
Do you have trouble focusing on tasks or work? Get yourself some plants. Research has shown that plants in the workplace boost productivity and morale, often by as much as 15 percent. If you’re working on a deadline, bring in some green power to help you perform better. Plants can be a big boost when it comes to concentration and performance.
Plants are more than home décor. They’re life-giving, immune-boosting, stress-reducing miracles that we encounter every day. And while not everyone enjoys ingesting these powerful foods, why not start by bringing them into your home and start your healthcare journey right, one houseplant at a time.
