Health Benefits of Houseplants: Nothing adds more beauty and comfort to our offices and homes than the foliage and lush flowers of indoor plants. Bathrooms, bedrooms, cubicles, kitchens, etc., There’s no space a houseplant cannot enliven. You just need to add water and light, and you can have an increasing indoor oasis. Bringing various plants into your office and home is aesthetically pleasing- and amazingly, plants can also provide substantial health benefits.
Numerous studies have shown that indoor plants keep you happier and healthier, offering various physical and mental health benefits such as:
- Reducing fatigue.
- Improving your mood.
- Improving office efficiency and focus.
- Lowering anxiety and stress levels.
- Reducing headaches by improving the air quality.
- Boosting healing and pain tolerance.
- Relieving dry skin and respiratory conditions caused by dry air.
Many houseplants can absorb toxic substances like benzene, formaldehyde, and TCE (trichloroethylene). These toxic substances are found in artificial materials that can “off-gas” pollutants into the air in your school, office, and home. In addition, Virginia Tech researchers found that houseplants could reduce indoor dust levels by as much as 20%. In essence, houseplants work as effective air cleaners.
NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has conducted extensive research on the role of houseplants in purifying the air. They hope to leverage these benefits for future space stations. According to their study, certain houseplants are very effective at cleaning the air. For a 1,800-square-foot home, NASA suggests 15 to 18 houseplants. While not everyone has the space for as many plants, even a few can be effective. Dr. Virginia I. Lohr, a horticulture professor at Washington State University, suggests that covering as little as 2% of the room with plants can significantly impact.
Furthermore, indoor plants can also improve air quality in many other ways. Plants release water vapor into the air. This can increase humidity which can help to improve your skin and respiratory health. This can be an excellent benefit for those suffering from allergies, headaches, or respiratory problems.
Also, plants increase oxygen levels in the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. According to recent research, you can maximize your benefits by placing plants within your “breathing zones,” 6-8 feet from where you sit or lie.
The positive effects of increased oxygenation may improve energy, mental focus, mood, etc. Few studies have shown that people who have indoor plants in their offices have higher work productivity. Currently, several new technology offices include indoor spaces that look like tropical and forest oases. These spaces are not only beautiful but also make people feel better and help them work better.
Moreover, we are all connected to nature. Being surrounded by nature can make you happier, relaxed, and more focused. Studies have shown that outdoor activities such as nature walks, forest bathing, and other outdoor activities can reduce anxiety and stress levels. Currently, several studies are being conducted to determine whether having indoor plants nearby patients in a hospital room can help patients manage their pain.
Having different indoor plants around you will provide psychological benefits, but caring for them can also reduce anxiety and stress. So next time when watering your plants in the office or home, you should slow down, take a few deep breaths and focus on what you are doing. Also, you can admire your plants’ flowers and leaves; touch them; might even talk to them. It will benefit both you as well as your plants.
Conclusion
Having plants in your office or home can be a source of joy. Indoor gardening reduces stress, boosts productivity, focus, and creativity, and promotes recovery. Studies suggest that houseplants can also improve the air quality inside your home.
If you have pets or children in your home, it’s vital to know which plants are toxic. If you have allergies or asthma, you should be aware of any species that may aggravate asthma symptoms.
You can make your home and office a happier, more peaceful, healthy place by sharing it with “breathing” plants.
Carolyn is a technology graduate and loves to write about anything related to technology as well as writes in others sectors. Carolyn is a professional writer with over 7 years of experience. Initially starting off as a programmer, Carolyn decided to combine her knowledge about technology and writing and that’s how she joined Reporter Expert.