The Benefits of Bringing the Outdoors In

Houseplants aren’t just for livening up your living space. They are beautiful to look at and appreciate, but they can also do wonders for your mental and physical health. Enjoy the bright colors and aesthetic enhancements houseplants add to your space while benefitting from great health benefits all at once. Jade Adams, plant specialist and owner of Oglewood Avenue, joined our Winters Bounty event to share her insights on the wellness benefits of houseplants.

Plants cleanse the air.
The houseplants you place in your home cleanse and detoxify the air. Through photosynthesis, the plants convert the carbon dioxide you exhale into the fresh oxygen you inhale. In the process, they’re removing harmful toxins from the air that you breathe, naturally purifying the space around you. Jade recommends at least two plants, in eight-10-inch diameter pots, per 100 square feet of interior space.

Plants can help reduce stress.
Studies have shown that your physiological and psychological stress can lessen through the care of and interaction with your houseplants. Thanks to a wonderful microbe called M. Vaccae, plants act as a natural antidepressant by releasing cytokines that lead your brain to produce more serotonin. This is affectionally referred as “outdoorphins.” Plants can help create an environment where you feel even more natural and comfortable in your home.

Plants add humidity to your space.
Are you struggling with dry skin, sinus issues or allergies? Your houseplants can aid in natural moisturization thanks to the process of transpiration. In transpiration, plants release moisture from their leaves, adding it into the air around you. If you look closely, you might see drops of water pooling on your plant leaves as they send moisture outward.

Plants can enhance your cognitive skills.
Plants are an essential workplace decoration. You get to enjoy the presence of greenery, but you can also gain an increase in your creative performance and problem-solving skills just by having them around. Workplace studies revealed that having plants present in work areas boosted staff wellbeing and aided in memory retention.

Plants aid in healing.
Pause and take a deep breath while admiring your plants. Being in close proximity to plants improves your environment and sensory experience and has even been shown to aid in healing faster from injuries. Healing gardens are becoming increasingly popular at hospitals, offices and care facilities to support a healing and positive setting. Create your very own healing garden to help decrease your stress levels and even lower your blood pressure.