How Plants Can Boost Your Mood and Productivity
Ever since I was a child, I always liked being around nature and plants. I loved spending time in our backyard as a kid, where I discovered the amazing and varied world of plants and flowers . As a medical student now, I have had to study for many tests and exams. It can be stressful and exhausting at times, but I have found that having flowers and plants in the house helps me significantly with focus while studying and feeling positive.
There are many benefits of having plants in your living space. Plants can purify the air, reduce noise, and create a relaxing atmosphere. They can also improve your mood and mental health by lowering your stress levels, enhancing your creativity, and boosting your memory. Studies have shown that people who have plants in their homes or workplaces are happier, more productive, and more satisfied with their lives (1, 2, 3).
One of the reasons why plants can have such a positive impact on us is that they remind us of our connection to nature. Nature has a calming and healing effect on our minds and bodies. It can help us cope with anxiety, depression, and loneliness. By bringing plants into our indoor environment, we can experience some of the benefits of nature even when we are busy or stuck indoors.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of plants in your home or office, the following are some tips on how to choose and care for them.
Pick Plants That Suit Your Space and Lifestyle
Consider the size, shape, color, and light requirements of the plants. Some easy-to-care-for plants that can thrive in low-light conditions are snake plants, peace lilies, pothos, and philodendrons.
Water Them Regularly But Not Too Much
Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal infections. Check the soil moisture before watering and use a drainage tray to avoid waterlogging. The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant, the season, and the humidity level.
Clean Them
Clean your plants occasionally by wiping or spraying their leaves with water. This can remove dust and pests and improve their appearance and health.
Prune Them
Pruning is important for houseplants because it helps maintain their health. Pruning can help remove dead, diseased, dying, and damaged growth, which can be an energy drain on the plant. By removing those dead parts, you’re taking some of that work off your plant’s plate and allowing it to divert its energy into healthy leaves and new growth. Pruning can also remove growth that may pose a risk to the plant’s health or growth outside the desired perimeter. It can increase air circulation and sunlight penetration, improve flowering and fruiting, and create a desired shape (4).
Repot Them
Repotting is important for houseplants because it helps them thrive. There are a number of reasons why you need to repot your houseplants. Sometimes the soil needs changing, or other times it’s because the plant outgrows its space in the container. The usual reason for repotting is to upsize the current pot or container the plant is currently in and fill the remaining space with fresh nutrient-containing growing material. Repotting can give plants more room to grow, refresh stale soil, replenish lost nutrients, and trigger healthy new growth (5).
Plants can be a wonderful addition to your home or office. They can brighten up your space, enhance your well-being, and inspire you to learn more about nature. Try adding some plants to your environment today and see how they can boost your mood and productivity!
References:
Qin J, Sun C, Zhou X, Leng H, Lian Z. The effect of indoor plants on human comfort. Indoor and Built Environment. 2014;23(5):709-723. doi:10.1177/1420326X13481372
Lee MS, Lee J, Park BJ, Miyazaki Y. Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. J Physiol Anthropol. 2015;34(1):21. Published 2015 Apr 28. doi:10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8
Thompson R. Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening. Clin Med (Lond). 2018;18(3):201-205. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-3-201
Duford, Mary Jane. “How to prune a plant: A beginner’s guide.” Home for the Harvest, April 25, 2023, https://www.homefortheharvest.com/how-to-prune-a-plant/
Taylor, Craig. “Repotting Houseplants: When, How and Why You Should Repot Your Plant.” Morning Chores, https://morningchores.com/repotting-houseplants/
