Here in Alabama, the arrival of spring typically means lots of rain. Unfortunately, cloudy days can add additional dreariness to the “winter blues” some may already be experiencing. A great way to counteract this depression, however, is to bring nature indoors! Here are some of the many benefits of indoor plants.[nz_gap height=”25″ /]
Plants improve concentration
The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health did a study with a classroom of students that showed that “living plants prompted improvements in the attention and concentration of the elementary students.” Do you find it hard to concentrate? Are you constantly pinging back and forth between tasks, working a bit on one thing, then another, and then getting distracted by something else? Another study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology says that plants help people focus for longer spans of time. So try placing a few plants in places where you typically work on tasks that require focus, such as your office.[nz_gap height=”25″ /]
Plants boost your mood
In the classroom study mentioned above, plants also seemed to improve the students’ mood, prompting positive emotions. Countless other studies indicate that being around nature or even seeing pictures of nature relieves stress as well. Having a plant or two indoors could ease your anxiety and make you feel calmer. For those who are prone to depression during the rainy spring months, some indoor plants may work better (and are certainly cheaper than) antidepressants.[nz_gap height=”25″ /]
Plants purify the air
It’s no secret that the air we breathe can have a tremendous impact on our overall health. Having plants indoors is a great way to ensure that the air you are breathing is clean and fresh. People with dust allergies, asthma, and other breathing problems should consider getting a plant or two in their homes. Plants emit oxygen (what we inhale) and intake carbon dioxide (what we exhale), making plants the ultimate air purifier. Scientists think that plants may even help sick individuals to recover more quickly![nz_gap height=”25″ /]