Shea Simmons
It’s been proven that gardening is good for mental health, but can plants actually reduce stress? When you add up all the evidence, grabbing a few green friends at your local plant store or nursery might be a good idea.
A recent study found that workers were, overall, more productive in offices that had plant life. Thanks to additional research (as well as anecdotal evidence), there’s proof that having some greenery in your home might also lead to lower stress levels.
Vionna Wai, founder of the plant and cat-centric website Feline Jungle, said that her own green space allows her to disconnect from her job in the “fast-paced environment of construction” and “enjoy the small victories of new plant growth.”
Research seems to back this up. A study in the American Society for Horticultural Science showed that having a plant in view helps reduce stress.
A group of 63 workers was asked to take a three-minute break at their desks. They took the first break without a plant in sight, and the second, with one in view. When the plants were introduced, the participants’ pulse rates slowed, indicating a more relaxed state.
If you’re ready to add some plants to your home, these hearty options are a great place to start.
[Via The Spruce]
