Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Green Living

The Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

The health benefits of indoor plants are numerous. From air purification to stress reduction, filling your home with houseplants is an easy way for you to be happier and healthier. Here are three reasons why you should have more plants in your life!

Reason 1: Lead a less stressful life

In 2010, a Japanese study explored the effects of Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”. This study concluded that spending time in nature lowered stress levels, reduced blood pressure, and had an overall relaxing effect on the body. However, most of us spend 85% of our time indoors and can’t wander through a forest every day.

Luckily, houseplants are an easy way to bring the outside in and reap the restorative and calming effects of nature. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology showed that active interactions with houseplants—like transplanting, pruning, touching, and smelling—have the same relaxing and stress-reducing effects as spending time in a forest. So next time you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just in a bad mood, go and spend some time enjoying your plants!

Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Reason 2: Improve the air you breathe

NASA’s famous study showed that one of the remarkable benefits of indoor plants is their ability to improve the quality of the air. Not only do plants increase the oxygen in our homes, but their root systems are incredibly effective at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs such as Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Trichloroethylene are found in everyday materials like paint, carpets, and plastics. NASA discovered that houseplants act as natural air purifiers and can remove up to 87% of toxins in a day.

Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Reason 3: Be more productive and creative

Who doesn’t want to get more out of every day? Another one of the many health benefits of indoor plants is that they improve cognitive function. A Texas A&M study found that having indoor plants in the workplace greatly improved idea generation, creative problem-solving, and boosted concentration. A similar study by the University of Michigan also showed that being around plants increased memory retention up to 20%! If you’re feeling uninspired or having a hard time focusing, adding a few plants to your office or studio could be just what you need to unlock your next great idea.