Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Why Plants Make Us Happier

We are now learning that surrounding ourselves with growing plants helps relieve stress, as well as providing many other benefits. By taking care of our green friends (the ones with leaves not Martians!) :-) we will discover new hidden sides of our personality and will also learn how to love and care for both others and ourselves.

window of plants and more mismatched chairsImage by wockerjabby via FlickrBy taking on the care of a plant (sort of like a pet) we are assuming a new responsibility - we are adopting a breathing being. This helps us become more aware of our surroundings, as we have to pay attention to other needs that are exterior to ourselves. We become aware of the needs of another being: we learn how much water the plant needs, how much light it gets, the intervals it needs to receive water again, and how to keep it alive and thriving. At the same time we also become more aware of others, and the natural world. Visual contact with a beautiful plant can even help us realize our own beauty!

More and more studies show that taking care of plants can be an efficient method to improve the physical and emotional general condition. Plants have a serene effect that can reduce stress and relax muscles and therefore improve the moods of those in their surroundings.

Different studies have demonstrated that the existence of plants in the home can help reduce mental exhaustion. When we are overwhelmed with work, we just have to look up for a couple of minutes to a plant and we’ll instantly feel more relaxed. In conclusion, plants fascinate and attract people, they break boredom and monotony generated by forced attention. And the oxygen generated by plants creates a feeling of mental agility.

Growing Green Bamboo PlantsImage by epSos.de via FlickrLarge plants placed in the right spot can help insulate us from annoying surrounding noises. The technique is the same as the one of hanging paintings in an empty room to minimize the echo effects. The thick leaves will absorb a part of the noises, including the sound of the phone, Xerox, printer or coffee maker, making these sounds in your home less distracting and stressful.

So why not plant a plant indoors this winter, or gift someone with a lovely plant for the holidays? It is giving the gift of peace, and isn't that what the season should be all about?
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