How Taking Care of Houseplants Positively Impacts Mental Health

“Gardening is good for our mental health as it offers physical exercise which improves depression and anxiety, and also helps people find companionship and support.” -Professor, Tim Kindle.

We live in a fast-paced, politically charged, technology-driven world. Our schedules are jam-packed, our minds are constantly overstimulated, and burnout is at its all-time high. If you relate to any of the mentions above, this blog is for you. In this blog, we will be focusing on how a traditional hobby can be a healthy source of peace and tranquility that you are looking for during this difficult time. 

To begin with, what exactly is mental health? According to the National Library of Medicine, mental health refers to a state of positive health, emotional resilience, and psychological well-being, which is imperative for happiness and social harmony. During this time, according to the National Library of Medicine, vast populations of individuals have struggled with both mental and physical health difficulties due to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. If you have noticed a decline in your mental health or even physical health, please be assured that you are not alone. To further shed a sense of hope and positivity, beneficial and evidence-proven coping skills can be the key to peace, harmony, and tranquility that you need. 

Through the chaos of life today, many people have found solace in a simple, age-old practice, which happens to be caring for houseplants! Not just outdoor plants, but indoor plants as well. We all know the research of the color green being serene and being in nature, but taking care of household plants as well has been proven to be just as effective for overall mental health and wellness. Taking care of plants may seem like “just a hobby” or “a home decor trend” but it is actually a deeply therapeutic activity that offers several psychological and psychological benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, nurturing indoor greenery can have a transformative effect on your mental well-being.

So, how does taking care of plants impact mental health? 

1. A Sense of Purpose and Responsibility: Taking care of house plants creates a routine that assists with a sense of responsibility daily. Watering your plants, pruning their leaves, rotating and making sure that they're receiving sunligh,t and fertilizing are all beneficial caregiving practices that can assist with experiencing or having a sense of purpose. For individuals with depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem–but really for anyone- assisting and watching plants thrive and survive due to the care that you are providing to them can be very uplifting and fill you with positivity on a daily basis. The routine and structure of caring for your plants can also assist with breaking the day-to-day struggles that depression can't seem to make you feel as if you are “stuck in.” 

   
   

2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety: According to the Journal of Physiological Anthropology published in 2015, Plants have been proven through study to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The journal shares that tending to house plants has been linked to lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for our stress. The study also shows that the act of potting soil, pruning leaves and physically touching the house plants can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is also responsible for rest and digestion. In the study, individuals who interacted with indoor plants reported lower stress responses compared to those who engaged in computer tasks. 

   
   

3. Improved Air Quality: As we know, plants are known for their air-purifying capabilities. Plants absorb toxins, increase humidity, and produce oxygen, which all create better-quality indoor spaces, clean air reduces headaches, improves sleep, and boosts energy levels, which are all crucial to mental well-being and wellness, according to the National Institute of Health. 

   
   

4. Green is Serene: We all know that nature provides positivity outside of the home, and house plants connect you with nature inside of your home, providing the exact same benefit. According to The National Institute of Health, simply seeing the color green is proven to help reduce heart rate that impacts both mental and physical difficulties. Plants not only brighten a space, literally, but metaphorically as well. The greenery that we see in plants adds life and vibrancy to rooms, which has a positive effect on our moods. We all know the positive impacts of greenery in nature outside of the home. House plants connect you with nature inside of your home, providing the exact same benefit.

   
   

5. Reduces Loneliness: As silly as it may sound, plants are companions! Plants can act as companions, much like pets or people. The difference with plant companions is that they don't talk back! Plants are low-maintenance and can provide silent support for a person who is recovering from a healing journey. Being able to watch your plant grow and thrive due to your care and responsibility can be uplifting to your mood. 

   
   

6. Mindfulness: Caring for our houseplant also encourages mindfulness. Mindfulness is extremely important for overall mental health and well-being. While caring for your plant, you are focused on being present at the year's end now and not being caught up in the chaos around us. 

   
   

7. Community: According to the New York Botanical Garden 66% of households contain at least one house plant. The article also supports that the house plant community has increased in recent years. Forums, social media groups, plant events, and blog posts all assist with creating a sense of community and support of common interests. Having support and community has also been proven to impact mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression. All in all, we all need a community to thrive. 

To end with, taking care of house plants isn't just about having a vibrant space or having an aesthetic home. It's also not about following a trend. Taking care of a house plant is about nurturing nature and yourself. From reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, connecting to nature is a surprisingly powerful tool. In the chaos of the world that currently feels very out of control, a thriving, vibrant green plant sitting on your windowsill can be a gentle reminder every day that growth is always possible.

So focus not, on the chaos of the world, but on feeding yourself and nature through patience and self-care. Watch yourself and your plant heal and grow! 

For more resources like this, please check out our other tips here: https://www.plantationcounseling.com/blog.  You can always find us at 954-903-1676 for counseling services.