Tthe benefits of having plants AT HOME
You'll already have heard of the positive effect plants have on your physical health. They keep the air around you fresh and cool, by humidifying the environment with their large, green leaves. As if that isn't enough, plants are also hugely beneficial to our mental health.
Various studies have shown that people in the vicinity of living plants are less stressed out than people in a plant-free environment. Charlotte Lelieveld from Wageningen Environmental Research in the Netherlands says: “Plants make our urban environment look more attractive, which has a positive effect on stress reduction.” The same applies to our homes.
Research by Lohr et al (1996) revealed that people in a room full of plants had lower blood pressure than people in a plant-free setting. Some plants like jasmine and lavender also spread a soothing fragrance, making it even easier to relax.
1. Choose a spot
With a few well-placed plants, it's easy to find your peace and quiet at home. Just don't try to switch off in a chaotic living room or amidst a mountain of laundry. Choose a spot where you can sit undisturbed, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. It also doesn’t need to be a separate room with Do Not Disturb on the door: a tidy corner will do just fine.
2. Screen and protect
Partition off the space with plants. For this, you need more than a set of mini-cacti. Opt for a couple of big specimens with sizeable leaves. With them, you can instantly create a foliage partition that lets everyone know you're in your 'stress-free green recharging zone'. Particularly suitable plants are Areca palm, Monstera, Yucca, Asplenium Crispy Wave and Spathiphyllum. They'll shelter you from chatty partners, fussing children and the beeping of computers.
3. Breathe deeply in the greenery
These fabulous plants do a brilliant job of sheltering you — but that's not all they do. As you sit hidden behind the leaves, you'll discover they bring a sense of peace. This is because plants release oxygen, giving you new energy as you breathe in the clean air. You've surrounded yourself with peaceful, living things that demand nothing from you apart from water. Breathe out, drop your shoulders, and relax in your own green hideaway.
MORE AUTUMN INSPIRATION
Make it extra cosy this autumn by putting greenery in every room and bring your favourite autumn scents into your home with a homemade herb rack. You can also take a look at our Instagram and Facebook pages and tag us with the hashtag #thejoyofplants.
