• Teachings

    • Do Houseplants Improve Mental Health?

    In this blog, we explore the science behind how houseplants positively affect our mood and overall mental state.

    The Science Of How Houseplants Improve Mood

     

    Houseplants do more than just beautify a space, they can play a vital role in enhancing mental well-being. Scientific studies suggest that plants can reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote emotional health.

    In this blog, we explore the science behind how houseplants positively affect our mood and overall mental state.


    Contents

    1. Psychological Benefits of Houseplants
    2. How Houseplants Reduce Stress
    3. Houseplants and Cognitive Performance
    4. Conclusion

     

    Psychological Benefits of Houseplants

    Research has demonstrated that houseplants can significantly impact our psychological state by lowering physiological stress responses, such as reducing blood pressure and promoting relaxation.

    Bringslimark et al. (2009) showed that indoor plants can enhance mood, particularly for individuals who have limited access to nature, making them an essential part of urban living spaces.

    A wooden side table hosting a variety of potted houseplants including asparagus fern. Also on the table are the Sowvital misting bottle, pruning scissors, and gardener secateurs.

    How Houseplants Reduce Stress

    One of the primary ways houseplants improve mood is by lowering stress levels. Lee et al. (2015) conducted experiments where participants experienced reduced autonomic nervous system activity after interacting with plants, which led to decreased stress and anxiety.

    Additionally, Shibata & Suzuki (2004) noted that just having plants around can elicit a calming response, which explains their use in stress-prone environments like offices and homes.


    Houseplants and Cognitive Performance

    Houseplants are not only calming but also beneficial for cognitive functioning. According to Shibata & Suzuki (2004), the presence of plants can significantly enhance creative task performance and improve focus.

    This aligns with Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that exposure to nature helps restore mental energy, allowing people to concentrate better after mental fatigue (Bringslimark et al., 2009).

    Conclusion

    The positive effects of houseplants on mood and well-being are well-documented in scientific literature. From lowering stress to improving cognitive performance, houseplants offer a simple and natural way to enhance emotional health.

    Whether at home or in the workplace, the presence of plants can foster a more relaxed and focused environment, contributing to overall happiness.

     

    References:


    Lee, M. S., Lee, J., Park, B. J., & Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: A randomized crossover study. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 34(21).


    Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2009). The psychological benefits of indoor plants: A critical review of the experimental literature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29(4), 422-433.


    Shibata, S., & Suzuki, N. (2004). Effects of an indoor plant on creative task performance and mood. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 45(5), 373-381.