Feeling more stressed out and more anxious being stuck at home during the pandemic? With the quarantine, most of us are experiencing a much higher amount of time being spent at home and it is something that is affecting us mentally. There are a few of us that are quite used to it, but for others it may be very challenging. With that being said, right now can’t be a better time to focus on creating a more relaxing and greener home environment. Not only will it make your home feel more comfortable, but there are several psychological benefits as well. One aspect of having plants is about taking care of something. It’s not about having the lush green nature in our proximity, but also being able to see plants grow and the process behind it.
“Caring for plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress as compared with mental work. This may be because caring for plants suppresses sympathetic nervous system activity and promotes comfortable, relaxed, and natural feelings” -Headline
There are also studies that show people are more inclined to become depressed in urban cities due to the lack of nature. Especially at a time like the pandemic where we are stuck at home. Growing plants in your own home or having a garden would keep your place a bit more of a relaxing and calming atmosphere.
The benefits of having a garden
- Lower your stress: Having plants to take care of can potentially reduce psychological stress as compared with mental work. This may due to caring for plants suppresses sympathetic nervous systems and promotes comfortable, and relaxed feelings.
- May help lower levels of anxiety: Seeing and being around plants helps people feel more calm and relaxed, therefore decreasing anxiety. Just like mentioned before, there are studies that back this up and being around nature help calm your anxiety.
- More productivity: Studies have shown that employees were more productive when there are plants in the workplace. Having plants increases memory and attentiveness, so having plants in the workplace or classrooms can definitely help. There is always the idea that teaching outdoors during a nice day can help students focus during a lecture.
Whether your reason for growing plants is to create a relaxing environment or to start a new hobby, it will definitely have a positive impact on your well being. Simply get out there and pick out a plant or fruits to grow!
