Houseplants and Mental Health

BY HANNAH PAN, MFTC

If you’re reading this, chances are this is your sign to invest in some real, living, houseplants for your mental health. During the height of the Pandemic, buying houseplants became all the rage, but it turns out people were not just buying plants for the sake of buying plants. There was purpose behind this decision, and it turns out houseplants are very beneficial for your body, mind, and soul!

So, keep reading to find out three benefits of getting yourself your own Green Haven.

Bringing nature indoors.

There are many blogs, scientific evidence as well as personal proof that being outside among nature rocks! There is something to be said about breathing in fresh air, looking at wildflowers and watching the trees blow in the wind. Even just writing this, the “feel good” chemicals in my brain are bouncing! So, if there are such great benefits of being out in nature, why not bring those benefits indoors? There are multiple studies out there that show that houseplants lift moods and reduce anxiety and depression. 

Interested to read more? https://www.livekindly.co/how-plants-improve-mental-health/ 

Giving us a sense of purpose.

Those who suffer from depression may experience such symptoms, as lack of motivation and concentration, loss of interest and pleasure, general feelings of discontentment or suicidal thoughts. These thoughts and feelings can decrease your sense of purpose in life. A way to increase a sense of purpose is to gain something tangible that needs your help to survive. A safe, low-risk place to start is to invest in a houseplant that will depend on your loving care to thrive! As you begin to care for your plants and nourish their needs, begin to take notice of how you can start to nourish your own needs. 

Interested to read more? https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-benefits-of-houseplants-5097479 

1. As you water your own houseplant, ask yourself, am I drinking enough water to nourish my own body? 

2. As you talk sweetly to your plant, and yes this is a common and normal thing to do, start telling yourself affirmations about yourself such as,

   1. I am a good caretaker, and I am wanted.

   2. I am worthy of care and affection.

   3. I can give myself the love I need.

Improving physical health, which in turn, can help your mental health.

Above, we talked about some of the ways plants can increase your mental health, but it is also important to address how house plants can help your physical health, too. A lot of different house plants have been proven to purify the air around us to help us breathe in clean air. This, in turn, can help with our mental health. Deep breaths can help when feeling anxious. It helps calm our nervous system down so we can think clearer. So, breathe easier, knowing that houseplants have your back in cleaning the air around you.

Interested to read more? https://affinityhealthcorp.com/how-indoor-plants-can-help-with-mental-and-emotional-health/

Interested in getting a houseplant, but not sure where to start? 

Check out these two articles that may give you some direction: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/plants-self-care https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1138271/easy-houseplants/