If you ever need another reason to grow your houseplant collection, you’re about to get one…

Houseplants (or plants in general really) can improve your mental health and boost your productivity. This is according to several studies, including those published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology and the Journal of Environmental Research.

So let’s take a look at what plants can help with:

Plants can reduce stress

We’ve all heard of the practice of ‘grounding’ to reconnect with Mother Earth and reduce stress. And many, myself included, love retreating into nature to switch off from the rest of the world and relax.

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But, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life these days, retreating into nature to relieve stress is becoming more difficult. Luckily, you can add a few lush green plants into your space to help you out! Snake plants are particularly helpful and so are Peace Lilies!

Plants can boost focus

Some studies have shown that having real plants in your space can improve your focus and, in turn, your productivity.

Studies involving elementary school pupils found that having several real plants in classrooms resulted in improved concentration and attention. So, if you feel that you struggle with focus and productivity, you might need to add some plants to your workspace!

To maximise greenery, you could opt for a few monsteras or philodendrons (or both). You could also seek the large green leaves of indoor trees, like a fiddle leaf fig.

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Plants can relieve depression and anxiety

Much like relieving stress, plants can also assist in relieving anxiety and depression.  Studies indicate that people who are exposed to greenery have fewer depressive episodes and their mood seems to increase faster too.

It’s why so many people suffer seasonal depression during winter when there’s far less greenery to sooth our minds.

Adding evergreen plants to your space, like Monsteras, can improve your mental health significantly and can help you fight your mood dips and spikes in anxiety.

Plants can improve your overall quality of life

Overall, house plants can boost your quality of life. In case you didn’t know, many houseplants are masters at purifying the air around them. Several plants can filter out harmful toxins, giving you cleaner air to breathe.

It’s also this fancy skill that makes plants a perfect addition to your space to improve your mental health, and your health in general. This is especially the case if you’re indoors all day.

Some of the best air-purifying plants are:

  • Spider plants
  • Snake plants
  • Rubber plants
  • Broad Lady Palm
  • Peace lilies

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Go forth and grow your plant collection

So if you ever needed another reason to add your collection of houseplants, here it is. It’ll boost your mental health and your physical health overall.

ALSO SEE: 

Surprising benefits of gardening

Article was originally written by Jade McGee for Woman&Home

Feature image: Pexels