5 Ways Plants Can Improve Your Home

There’s a lot more to indoor plants than their pleasing appearances. 

Not only do they elevate your interior space, but also your physical and mental health. 

Main image by Joachim Pirch - Unsplash

Studies have found that bringing in some greenery has the following benefits:

● Improved mood and productivity

● Enhanced creativity and concentration

● Lower stress levels and higher energy

● Cleaner indoor air with more oxygen

● Absorbing sound to reduce noise

● Therapy without the hourly rates 

In exchange for all of these positive effects, your flora asks for little more than some water and sunlight. 

That’s definitely not an unreasonable bargain. And if those benefits weren’t enough, here are 5 ways that plants can improve your home. 

Pushing Out Pollutants

Almost every major city is clouded in air pollution. It wreaks havoc on your hair and skin, as well as contaminating the air that enters your lungs. 

But this problem doesn’t disappear when you step inside. Pollution is often just as prevalent in the buildings where we live and work. 

It’s commonly known as Sick Building Syndrome. The term refers to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue and irritation, which come to plague otherwise healthy people working in commercial offices and facilities. 

The main contributors to indoor air pollution come from within. Sources include emissions from synthetic construction materials, airborne mould and allergens like dust or pollen. 

Energy-efficient building practices that reduce air circulation are another issue. And it isn’t limited to businesses. The same problems can be found in your home.

Wall paints, rubbers, vinyl, carpets and plastics are some of the materials that gradually break down and release toxic compounds. That’s why improving air quality is important for every home. 

The good news is that it can be as simple as incorporating a few more plants into your interior, allowing them to absorb the airborne contaminants.

A Touch of Nature

You may be surprised by how much a short walk in the park can boost your mood and lift your spirits. Moving closer to nature staves off stress and mental fatigue, allowing you to relax and feel at peace. 

One study found that merely touching some foliage has a calming effect. And if you work at home, plants can help to improve your performance.

Stronger Systems

This is particularly useful to keep in mind during flu season, as plants are linked to physical benefits that include improving your immune response. Part of this comes from the positive effects of plants on your mental health. 

Getting sufficient sleep and feeling more calm assists your immune system functionality.

Living in a home with plants may result in you finding it easier to keep bugs and infections at bay. Thanks to airborne chemicals like phytoncides, you could also experience lower stress levels that further strengthen your immune system.

Aroma

How your living space affects your sense of smell is no less important than the way it looks. Of course, plants do an excellent job at freshening your air and subtly adding their own pleasant aroma. 

Better Relationships

Just like pets, plants can improve your relationships at home. But unlike canine or feline companions, you won’t have to worry about your succulents chewing furniture and collecting vet bills. 

What plants can do is increase your compassion by serving as another living thing in your environment that you’re responsible for. 

Most people feel a strong sense of empathy for their plants, and the effects carry over to human relationships. 

Since all flora thrives on the carbon dioxide that leaves your mouth, sparking up a conversation and getting your thoughts out is a great alternative to therapy.

So, what are you waiting for? It should be clear by now that a few plants are deserving of a spot in your home.