Are plants good for mental health? Let’s start knowing deeper! World Mental Health Day is just around the corner and it’s a topic of conversation that should be spoken about openly and freely. The day itself was first celebrated in 1992, and was an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. The idea is to promote global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental health – yet many don’t seek help? It’s time to spread a positive light on mental health, and to make changes in our day-to-day lives to ensure we are affecting our mood positively each and every day.
One great to do this is through plants.
Plants and Mental Health
Many people understand that getting outdoors can give your mood a great boost, but you can also get the same effects indoors with different plants. Numerous scientific studies have shown that houseplants reduce stress levels and boost our wellbeing.
In fact, a GP surgery in Manchester has launched a new scheme to treat depression, prescribing plant care and community garden to patients. The patient is told to take a plant home and help it recuperate, and once the plant is strong enough, they take it to a community outside the surgery. The idea is that plant care can unleash a psychological response – and it is one that is becoming more generally accepted.
Benefits of Indoor Plants
There are plenty of benefits that come with bringing nature inside:
Reduce stress
Plants bring feelings of calm and peace, which work together to help reduce your stress levels. They have also been shown to help with physical issues, promoting healing and improving the air.
Pride and accomplishment
There is a lot of pride that comes with watching something grow. Whether your plants are at home or in the office, they encourage you to take a well-earned break from tasks and focus on something else. This comes with a sense of achievement as you keep the plant alive and watch it grow.
Empathy
Plants have also been shown to increase the empathy levels of their carer. Knowing that you have the responsibility to keep something alive can change a person’s view of others.
Plants To Boost Your Mental Health
Looking for that perfect boost in mental health in your home or office? These plants will get you on the right track and help reduce your stress levels and boost your wellbeing.
Mother In Law’s Tongue
This is one of the most resilient indoor plants, which is what makes it such a great choice for improving mental health. You want a plant that will grow with the person and doesn’t require too much maintenance. Mother In Law’s Tongue can grow in low light with very little water needed.
The plant is also rich in toxin-fighting qualities. A study undertaken by NASA, showed it actually filters the chemical formaldehyde, which is found in cleaning products, making this a great plant to keep close by.
You’ll get a better night’s sleep with this plant in your room filtering out the air.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily not only looks great but is one hard-working plant. It will help to remove a number of toxins from your home and workplace, such as benzene, ammonia, acetone and ethyl. It also stops them from spreading into other rooms.
It’s a very simple-to-keep plant that can tolerate low-light, and it makes a beautiful statement in any indoor environment.
Monstera Deliciosa
The Monstera Deliciosa, or Swiss Cheese plant, prefers a nice warm climate, away from direct sunlight. This fast-growing plant is easy to grow and is very effective in air-conditioned interiors, such as home and offices, at cleaning the air.
It does like to grow and leaves can get up to 45cm, so make sure you have the space! This plant does make quite an impact and is a fabulous visual statement for any room.
Roll up your sleeves and get planting this World Mental Health Day. It’s time for all of us to speak up and rid the stigma around mental health. Keep yours in check with one of these amazing home and office plants and see how it affects your mood.
Visit the World Mental Health Day Australia
website.
