Houseplants And Mental Health: How Greenery Can Soothe Your Mind And Soul

Taking care of your plants will improve your mental health on multiple fronts. It will benefit the mind, body, and soul, provide stress relief, and stimulation for the brain. Whether this is because of the feeling of the fertile brown soil in your hands or the ability to enjoy the fruit of your hard work, the truth of the matter is that spending time with your plants will make you happier.

Plants have a positive impact on brain health

Growing plants can help you keep the mind sharp in several ways.

For example, daily gardening improves brain health and significantly reduces the risk of dementia. The process of keeping a plant alive engages multiple brain functions and provides strength in unexpected ways.

You have to schedule what needs to be done when, take the time to get to know your plants and work on different options when they show signs of stress – and all of this activity stimulates your brain.

For this reason, plants can promote problem-solving, learning, and sensory awareness. By learning about new plants and gardening techniques, you will strengthen and challenge your brain.

Plants help you stay more focused and relaxed

Several studies have proved that gardening is linked to mental clarity by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

First of all, the sights and smells of plants help with relaxation. Also, greenery has a calming effect that helps increase concentration – it's proved that office spaces with plants lead workers to feel more focused and creative.

Besides, doctors recommend gardening to people who have had a loss in their lives. In fact, growing plants would promote a feeling of being in the "here and now" that helps switch off negative thoughts.

Plants can boost brain power of people of all ages

Plants can be grown by anybody, at any age. Anyone embracing gardening, both young and old, can benefit from the brain-boosting that naturally develops throughout the process.

There is evidence that children who learn how to grow plants score higher in science tests than kids who don’t. Moreover, the process of gardening can promote an inquisitive mind in a young child.

For those who are older, just being around plants can be therapeutic.

Scientific research has shown that people over 60 who enjoy gardening are less prone to developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Often, the elderly experiencing memory problems are able to recall key details about plants, providing them an opportunity to strengthen their brain.

Plants are beneficial to health and happiness

Houseplants can have a tremendous effect on your mood.

Firstly, looking at something beautiful make you happier. Plants rich colors and textures can beautify any room, even better when potted in a pretty container.

Also, when you touch the soil, some microscopic soil bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae enter your system. They generate serotonin and dopamine, which both produce a feeling of happiness. Furthermore, these "friendly" bacteria are proved to boost our immune system: scientists believe that soil could prevent asthma, allergies, and other illnesses.

Plants reduce stress and anxiety

Studies have shown that people living with plants feel more relaxed and have lower stress levels.

Taking care of plants can help you be present in the "here and now" – and this is the part of gardening that reduces stress and anxiety.

Reconnecting with nature and nurturing plants gives a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can lower depression and hyperactivity.

Studies have also shown that gardening manages to reduce cortisol – which is known to be the stress hormone.

Plants are rewarding

Taking care of a living thing increase our sense of self-worth and contentment.

As the days go by, you will start seeing the fruits of your labor, and your accomplishments will give you great joy. Seeing your plants growing and thriving due to your work and dedication will make you feel delighted and fulfilled.

Moreover, as you see your foliage blossom, you develop a deeper connection to nature. By closely watching your plants grow, you will be able to follow this miracle of life, step by step.