Amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, creating a space that allows you to prioritise your health and wellbeing is more important than ever. But where does one begin? Cue in: the power of indoor plants.
Indoor plants offer more than just natural beauty. Their therapeutic qualities can benefit your mood, emotional wellbeing and even your physical health. With so many plants capable of thriving inside, bringing more greenery into your haven can be a simple way to thrive alongside them.
what are some of the emotional benefits of indoor plants?
People have always connected with the natural world to help enhance their emotional wellbeing – from spending time in the garden to heading out into the wilderness for some tranquillity amongst the plant life.
Indoor plants are no exception. Their presence can help reduce stress levels, thus creating a more calming environment that can promote relaxation and help alleviate the pressures of everyday life.
Plants can also inspire positive emotional wellbeing by helping boost your productivity and stimulating your creativity (think the colours of the plants to the pot styles you use and where you place them). They also call upon our human nature to nurture and tend to living things. In allowing you to look after them, even in the slightest way, your plants look after you.
how do plants boost your mood?
Psychologists and scientists have studied the interaction between humans and plants for many years – particularly when it comes to how plants can alter our mood and mindset. This connection even has a technical term: biophilia.
In essence, the colours and textures of plants stimulate our senses, inspiring our brains to release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These are vital for boosting our emotional and mental wellbeing as they naturally lift our moods and leave us happy and energised.
Feeling a sense of peace, joy and positivity when you’re in the company of your indoor plants isn’t simply because you have a green thumb. Indeed, there’s a natural science to our connection with nature.
what sort of plants should you consider bringing indoors?
Some plants thrive inside more than others and seeing your young flora grow into a vibrant plant only adds to the emotional benefits. It means you’re doing something right when nurturing them.
Popular indoor plant varieties include the Fiddle Leaf Fig, Peace Lily, Monstera and Ficus. These plants have large leaves and striking shapes that make eye-catching additions to your home, office or wellness space. Climbing plants like Pothos or Devil’s Ivy also make lovely additions, as their leaves and vines begin to characterise your home with their unique personality.
Natural wonders like the spider and snake plants are also popular indoor spaces, as they’re known for improving the air quality in your space. Generally speaking, most indoor plants can contribute to your physical wellbeing in this way. Plants absorb chemicals, mould and carbon dioxide and then release cleaner, healthier air for you to breathe.
With our daily lives so busy, many also love succulents as they require less attention than some other varieties – all while providing plenty of natural personality to a space and delivering the same emotional and mental benefits.
With our daily lives so busy, many also love succulents as they require less attention than some other varieties – all while providing plenty of natural personality to a space and delivering the same emotional and mental benefits.
where should you add plants and why?
Ultimately, where you choose to add indoor plants depends on two key factors:
- Where you’re spending your time (so you can maximise their benefits)
- How much natural light your space gets (so the species you choose can thrive)
Opt for a larger statement plant like a Fiddle Leaf Fig for larger, light-filled spaces like a living room.
Plants like a Peace Lily or Aloe Vera make great options in your bedroom, where sleep and calm are both crucial. You can even consider Lavender, whose fragrant herb helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Bathrooms often have less natural light and more moisture in the air, which is why plants like ferns or spider plants make ideal additions. They’ll soak up the water in the atmosphere and bring your bathroom beautiful pops of green.
making your haven for holistic wellbeing
Bringing plants into your indoor spaces is more than just a design trend. So as you begin cultivating your natural oasis, remember that you’re getting more than splashes of striking green throughout your spaces – you’re also growing a sanctuary for your best self.
And if you’re in the process of creating your own wellness space, read our best starter tips here.
