Science-backed benefits of indoor green spaces

Many people have the misconception houseplants’ only purpose is to decorate indoor spaces, but in reality, they work beyond aesthetics. Bringing your favourite plants indoors can improve your mental and emotional health because plants are known for boosting human energy and performance, improving relationships, and increasing recreation chances.

During the pandemic, indoor gardening experienced a surge in popularity because people found themselves in need to connect with nature when isolated at home. And since they couldn’t reach it, they had to bring it indoors through potted flowers and greenery. Social media also brought the indoor gardening trend tremendous popularity because it promotes greenery-inspired interior designs. And while social media trends are notorious for fading as fast as they flourish, indoor gardening seems to stand the test of time because people understand houseplants can improve their wellbeing and health. 

Here is what science tells about the benefits of scattering plants around the house. 

Plants improve mental health

Nature and plants help to heal, and not only through the vitamins they provide when we add greens to our foods and drinks, but through spending time among plants. Research reveals that people who live around nature feel happier than those who don’t expose themselves to the outdoors. However, it doesn’t mean that only people living in the countryside feel happy; those who live in the city could also do it if they surround themselves with green plants. The greenery inside their houses can boost their mood and promote relaxation.

 Several theories approach this subject. One of the highlights is that plants make people think of the outdoors and trick the brain into believing it’s in the open space. When scattering plants inside, people no longer have the impression they’re boxed in. Greenery also has a sense of peace around it because plants don’t really bother with how busy people are around them. They sit contentedly in their flower pots, growing and creating a welcoming atmosphere. 

And let’s not forget the air quality benefit because plants are known for releasing oxygen into the air and cleaning it from carbon dioxide. Bringing plants indoors improves your air quality and makes the environment more beneficial for you. When your brain gets more oxygen, it works more effectively because it no longer feels cloudy and fatigued. You might’ve observed that you can make better connections outdoors. Bringing plants indoors can provide the same advantage because they cleanse the air from pollutants and encourage your brain to function properly. It’ll release the right types of hormones and improve your mental health.

Suppose you deal with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue; your therapist might recommend decorating your house with plants because they’ll help you during recovery. Having plants around the home requires you to care for them, which might distract your mind from disturbing thoughts and help you relax and focus on something positive. You might discover that you love the idea of caring for a small plant and growing it into adulthood to bloom and thrive. 

Plants’ scents can also boost your mental health because when your house smells good, you instantly feel happier and more relaxed. 

Greenery can give your immune system a boost

Plants improve your mental and physical health because they can boost your immune system, especially during the cold season when you’re more prone to flu. When you feel relaxed and sleep better due to the improved air quality, your immune system works better and enables your body to stay strong and fight viruses. Plants have an airborne chemical called phytoncides that alleviate stress and help you feel better throughout the day. You don’t have to touch or see the chemical to benefit from it. Spending time around plants can help relieve stress and improve your immune system. If you have a balcony, you can convert it into a green oasis during summer. Remove all the clutter, order custom-made furniture to fit the space, and decorate it with as many plants as possible. The balcony can be your little jungle in the middle of the city. You can mix and match multiple flowers and greenery in balcony planters to play with the colours and smells and create a cheerful atmosphere. By planting some lavender on the balcony, you can transform the space into a spa oasis that encourages relaxation and stress relief. 

Also, let’s not forget the nutritional benefits plants have. Even if you don’t eat the plants you grow, they can still spread positive chemicals around the space and improve your immune system. 

Plants can improve your productivity

You might be one of the individuals who switched to remote work once the pandemic hit. In this context, how often have you felt that you can’t work? There are moments when you question your creativity and productivity because you find it challenging to complete your tasks. The way your house is decorated might have a huge role in this because it impacts your productivity. The more plants, decorations, and pictures you have in the room where you work, the more productive you are because they remind you why you’re working and what goals you want to achieve. 

And let’s not forget the mental health benefits of customised workspaces. When a room lacks any form of personalisation, it feels dull and demotivating. You can feel you’re no longer interested in your work, and your mental health has to suffer because you don’t feel motivated. A dull workspace can even trigger anxiety and stress, making work even more difficult. Plants can help you get rid of this feeling because they bring life into your workspace and boost your mental health. When you spend time near plants, you gain new creativity and inspiration and find it easier to think outside the box. And you don’t even need that many plants to rip the benefits. Only bring inside those that inspire you and have a smell that makes the environment feel welcoming. 

It’s time to take advantage of an indoor green space. The above benefits plants provide show that you can give your mental and physical health a boost.