3. Your Productivity Is Improved. Plants liven up work spaces and provide stimulation to décor. In these times of work from home and school at home, plants can provide much needed creativity and inspiration and less stress. You don’t need a jungle of plants—a few will do.
4. Your Relationships Are Improved. When you are taking care of another living thing in your home, your compassion improves. And that compassion can spread to others. We’ve all heard that talking to plants is good for plants, and it’s true! Plants thrive on the carbon dioxide we exhale, and we thrive on the oxygen plants give back. I enjoy talking to mine. And they seem to enjoy the conversation. Importantly, for those with limited social networks, especially now, plants can provide solace when feeling lonely.
5. They Improve Your Learning Abilities. Because of the phytonutrients plants give off that help settle the mind, focus and clarity is improved, in both adults and in children. There is also the factor of smell. Certain smells can trigger memories and things you remember you studied. When I have fragrant lilies near me when I’m working, I feel more productive for sure. And the calming nature of plants also helps to calm the mind, making it easier to stay focused and not overwhelmed. Who knew all this, right?
6. Plants Improve Your Home’s Air Quality. Did you know that the air in your home can be worse than the air outside? That’s because pollutants can get in but may not have a way to get out. Plants can help with that. This is because of the airborne chemicals that plants release. Research states that plants can remove 87% of pollutants in the air including ones like formaldehyde and benzene, both which have been known to cause cancer! And if you have pets, plants can help get rid of the pollutants pets bring in from the outside. The plants use the pollutants as fertilizer—they grow from them while we breathe better!
7. They Add More Humidity to the Home. I didn’t know this, but plants release most of the water they take in, adding humidity to rooms. This is great to relieve dry heat in bedrooms and reduce the need for humidifiers. It’s like Mother Nature is taking care of you in so many ways with plants in the home!
So, if you aren’t good with plants, start with some easy ones. Here’s a good list from The Sill.com, a great website for learning how to grow houseplants. Their prices may be a bit high, but try Home Depot, Lowe’s or Farmer’s Markets, especially for flowers:
Listen, if I can do it, you can too. So, green up your thumb and get some plants or flowers to benefit your home and your life!
Hugs,
Amy