Nature's Mood Boosters: 10 Plants that Promote Happiness and Wellbeing

Posted on 08/03/2024

Introduction

When we think of nature, we often picture vast landscapes or breathtaking views. However, nature's healing powers go far beyond just its stunning beauty. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that being surrounded by plants and greenery can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. From reducing stress and anxiety to promoting happiness and productivity, plants have the ability to boost our mood and overall sense of wellbeing. In this article, we will explore 10 plants that are known for their mood-boosting properties and how they can be incorporated into our daily lives.

The Power of Plants

Plants not only add visual appeal to our surroundings but also provide us with numerous physical and mental health benefits. Research has shown that being close to nature can improve our attention span, memory, and creativity. It also helps in reducing stress levels by lowering blood pressure and cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Additionally, spending time around plants has been linked to improved mood, increased happiness, and elevated feelings of calmness.

10 Mood-Boosting Plants

Here are 10 plants that are known for their ability to promote happiness and wellbeing:

1. Lavender

Lavender is widely recognized for its calming abilities. Its soothing scent has been found to reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that simply inhaling lavender essential oil can help decrease stress levels. This beautiful purple plant is perfect for growing in gardens or keeping indoors as a potted plant.

2. Aloe Vera

Apart from its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera is also believed to purify the air by filtering out harmful toxins. This succulent plant is easy to care for and adds a touch of greenery to any room. Having Aloe Vera plants around can create a fresh and clean environment, leading to improved mood and wellbeing.

3. Jasmine

Known for its sweet and romantic scent, Jasmine is not just a pretty flower. Its aroma has been found to be an effective stress reliever and mood enhancer. Studies have shown that the smell of jasmine can help reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation and calmness. Add a pot of jasmine near your bedroom window to benefit from its soothing fragrance.

4. Snake Plant

Also known as 'Mother-in-law's Tongue', the snake plant is one of the best air-purifying plants out there. It helps remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, improving its quality. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for people with busy schedules who want to add some greenery to their homes.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary not only adds flavor to our dishes but also has many health benefits. Its scent has been found to enhance memory and improve cognitive performance. It also helps in reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Keep a small plant of rosemary on your desk or by your bedside for a quick mood boost whenever needed.

6. Peace Lily

The peace lily is another popular houseplant known for its air-purifying abilities. Its white flowers symbolize peace and tranquility, making it a perfect addition to any home or workplace. This plant is known for its ability to remove harmful toxins like ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air, thereby improving air quality and overall wellbeing.

7. Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera daisies are not only beautiful but also have a positive impact on our mood. The bright colors of these flowers are known to stimulate feelings of joy and happiness. They also have air-purifying properties, making them a great addition to any indoor space.

8. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family. It has a soothing effect on the mind and body, helping in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The refreshing scent of lemon balm can instantly uplift your mood and create a sense of calmness and tranquility.

9. Spider Plant

The spider plant is another popular houseplant that has air-purifying properties. It helps remove toxins like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene from the air, making it an excellent plant for improving air quality. Its long cascading leaves also add an aesthetic appeal to any room.

10. Peppermint

Peppermint is not just a flavor but also a powerful herb with numerous health benefits. Its invigorating scent has been found to improve concentration, enhance memory and boost energy levels. Simply placing a pot of peppermint in your workspace can help increase productivity and create a more positive environment.

Tips for Incorporating Plants into Your Life

1. Start small: If you are new to plant parenting, start with low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for, such as succulents or cacti.

2. Do your research: Make sure to choose plants that are suitable for the amount of sunlight and water available in your home or office space.

3. Mix it up: Don't be afraid to mix different plants together for a unique and visually appealing display.

4. Be consistent: Make watering and caring for your plants a part of your daily routine to ensure their health and longevity.

5. Move them around: Change the placement of your plants periodically to give them enough sunlight and promote healthy growth.

The Pros and Cons of Having Plants

Pros:
- Can improve mood and wellbeing
- Add aesthetic appeal to any space
- Purify the air
- Have numerous health benefits

Cons:
- Requires regular care and maintenance
- Some plants may be toxic to pets or children
- Can take up space in small living areas

Takeaways

Plants not only add beauty to our surroundings but also have the power to promote happiness and wellbeing. From reducing stress levels to purifying the air, these 10 plants offer a range of benefits for both our physical and mental health. By incorporating them into our daily lives, we can create a healthier and more positive environment.

Conclusion

In today's fast-paced world, it is vital to take care of our mental and emotional wellbeing. Nature's mood boosters - plants - provide us with a natural and effective way to do just that. So why not bring some greenery into your home or office space and experience the many benefits these plants have to offer? With their soothing scents, vibrant colors, and air-purifying properties, you can't go wrong with adding these 10 mood-boosting plants to your life.