Author: Kim Schlechtriem
Publication date: 28.05.2024
Living and working in a space with wonderful greenery such as indoor plants is what many people enjoy. But is there more to it? Science suggests there are significant benefits to keeping indoor plants. Here are seven reasons why you might want to add some greenery to your home or office.
1. Indoor plants may help reduce stress levels
A study found that plants in your home or workspace can make you feel more comfortable, soothed, and natural. In the study, participants were given two tasks: repotting a houseplant or completing a short computer-based task. Researchers measured stress indicators such as heart rate and blood pressure before and after each task. They discovered that the indoor gardening task lowered participants' stress responses, while the computer task increased heart rate and blood pressure, even among young men accustomed to computer work. The researchers concluded that working with plants could reduce both physiological and psychological stress.
2. Real plants may sharpen your attention
If you need to boost your concentration, real plants might be the answer. In a small study involving 23 participants, researchers placed students in a classroom with either a fake plant, a real one, a photograph of a plant, or no plant at all. It has been proven that students who study with real plants in the room are more attentive and can concentrate better than students without plants nearby. So, sorry, plastic plants won’t help you pass your exams, but a live one just might.
3. Working with plants can be therapeutic
For individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness, indoor gardening can be especially beneficial. Researchers have used horticultural therapy to enhance well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions. Although horticultural therapy has been practiced for centuries, it has found a modern application. Medical clinics in Manchester, England, now prescribe potted plants to patients with depression or anxiety, highlighting the therapeutic potential of indoor plants.
4. Plants may help you recover from illness faster
Looking at plants and flowers might speed up recovery from illness, injury, or surgery. A 2002 review of the research revealed that patients recuperating from various surgeries needed less pain medication and had shorter hospital stays when they could view greenery during their recovery. Most research has focused on plants and natural scenery in hospital settings rather than at home, but the findings suggest that indoor plants can contribute to a quicker recovery process.
5. Plants may boost your productivity
Multiple studies have found that plants in the workspace increase productivity and creativity. One frequently cited study from 1996 found that students in a campus computer lab worked 12 percent faster and were less stressed when plants were nearby. In a 2004 study, researchers challenged people to make creative word associations and found that they performed better with a plant in the room. A 2007 study showed that people with more plants in their workspace took fewer sick days and were more productive overall.
6. Plants may improve your whole outlook on work
A view of a city park might improve anyone’s job satisfaction, but even a potted plant can have a similar effect. Researchers interviewed over 440 Amazon employees in two continents. They found that those whose office environment included natural elements like indoor plants felt greater job satisfaction and more commitment to their organisation. The natural elements helped buffer the effects of job stress and anxiety, suggesting that a bit of greenery can make a significant difference in workplace morale.
7. Improved indoor air quality
Researchers for NASA were looking to improve air quality in sealed spacecraft and found that houseplants' roots and soil significantly reduced airborne volatile organic compounds. Subsequent research has confirmed these findings, though recent studies suggest you would need a large number of plants to match the air-purifying efficiency of modern technologies. If you choose to use houseplants for air purification, there are some species that are more effective than others.
Choose plants safe for pets and children
It is nearly impossible to find a complete list of toxic plants because some plants have parts that are poisonous and others that are perfectly safe. Before bringing a new plant home, check a reliable source to ensure it is safe for kids or pets. Your state extension service and poison control office may provide lists of toxic plants in your region.
Conclusion
Plants in your home and office have multiple benefits. One of them is that indoor gardening relieves stress, boosts creativity, productivity, and focus. They also might positively influence the indoor air quality as well. However, if you have asthma or allergies, be alert to species that aggravate your symptoms. Besides these benefits, there are more positive influences proven for your physical and mental health. So, what are you waiting for? Go and get some beautiful greenery for your spaces!
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