How plants help us feel happier and healthier

How to deal with mild depression naturally, with just a few plants.

Our plants don't just look nice on windowsills, they make us happier and healthier overall. Why does that matter you say? Since the pandemic started, many of us stayed at home, away from nature, and the pandemic magnified that many of us are dealing with depression. But it turns out being around nature is essential to health.

“A key sign of poor mental health is losing interest and pleasure in activities. Plants can curb that by bringing passion and routine into our lives”, says Justin Puder, a psychologist in Florida. In my own experience, I get great joy when I wake up every morning to come outside to see how my garden is growing. I am not just getting the benefits of feeling better, I am also feeding myself organic foods that taste fantastic!

Many mental health experts are using plant caring to help individuals with poor mental health. For example: the Horticultural Society of New York understands the value of people-plant relationships. They offer Rikers GreenHouse — a two-acre plot of land on Rikers Island where experts guide incarcerated individuals through therapeutic horticulture”, says Hilda Krus, a director at the Hort. Many nursing homes around the nation are encouraging their residents to grow plants to help with their moods.

Here are just some of the perks of taking care of plants:

1. Interacting with plants can increase life satisfaction, reduce anxiety and stress, spark creativity, boost productivity.

2. Certain plants are natural air purifiers for your house. All plants provide necessary oxygen that we need to live. Don’t have a green thumb? Add these plants https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/top-of-the-crop/10-houseplants-for-people-without-green-thumbs/

3. Being around nature decreases in anxiety and stress.

4. Get a subconscious positive mood change from the smell of flowers, the chirping of birds and the sound of nature. Take a hike https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/adventure-travel/best-hikes-in-america

5. Watering and tending to plants and then watching them bloom is great for our minds.

In conclusion: Consider buying a plant from a local nursery to brighten up your home. You will help a local business as well as your well-being. Start small and grow! You will be amaze how you will start to feel better!

Source:https://www.axios.com/