Home Kuel Thought Leader: Lori Roach
I’ve never considered myself to be a hoarder (quite the opposite) or even a serious collector of items.
A Collection Of Houseplants:
But wandering through my house the other day, I realized that I did, indeed, have a collection. A collection of houseplants. Quite an extensive collection, actually.
“Plants fill empty spaces and hard-to-decorate areas and add an organic touch to any room.”
Like so many people, I thrive on the simple beauty that greenery provides for our homes. I like the colors, the textures, the unpredictable growth habits. Plants fill empty spaces and hard-to-decorate areas and add an organic touch to any room.
In addition to their versatility in decor, research suggests that houseplants can have a positive impact on our health. From improving air quality to reducing stress levels, there are a variety of ways that houseplants can benefit our well-being.
Here are some of the ways in which houseplants can improve your physical and mental health:
1. Cleaner Air – Houseplants As Natural Air Purifiers:
Houseplants are natural air purifiers.
Indoor air pollution can be caused by a variety of factors, including toxins emitted by household cleaners, furniture, and building materials, as well as carbon dioxide and other pollutants produced by cooking, heating, and other activities.
Fortunately, many common houseplants are highly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air and releasing oxygen, making the air in your home cleaner and healthier to breathe.
In addition to removing pollutants from the air, houseplants release moisture into the air, which can help to increase the humidity levels in your home.
2. Stress Reduction:
Houseplants have been found to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Studies have shown that simply being around plants can lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety and tension.
In addition, the act of caring for a plant can be therapeutic and provide a sense of purpose and responsibility. The interaction with nature through watering, feeding, and grooming your plants further reduces stress and anxiety.
“They can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety,”
Some plants, such as lavender, jasmine, and aloe vera, are known for their stress-reducing scents. These plants have been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind, helping to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
3. A Stronger Immune System:
Research has suggested that exposure to nature, including indoor plants, can help boost your immune system. Plants release compounds called phytoncides, which can help improve your body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
4. Improved Mental Health:
Houseplants can have a positive impact on your mental health, too. They can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve cognitive function. Having plants in your home can even improve the quality of your sleep!
5. Boosted Productivity:
Research shows that having plants in the workplace can increase productivity by up to 15%. Plants help to create a more pleasant and comfortable environment. With so many of us working from home, it’s reasonable to assume we’d receive this same boost in that environment.
Some plants have been shown to have specific benefits for productivity. For example, the scent of peppermint has been found to improve concentration and memory, while the scent of lavender can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Choose The Right Houseplants For Your Home:
The following is a list of the more common houseplants and their particular properties.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and can help purify the air in your home by removing harmful pollutants.
- Snake Plant: The snake plant is great for purifying the air and removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
- Spider Plant: Spider plants are great for improving indoor air quality by removing harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
- English Ivy: English ivy is a great plant for removing mold from the air, making it a good choice for those with allergies or asthma.
- Peace Lily: Peace lilies are known for their ability to remove harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
- Bamboo Palm: The bamboo palm is a great plant for improving indoor air quality and removing harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
- Rubber Plant: The rubber plant is a good choice for removing pollutants like formaldehyde from the air.
- Lavender: Lavender has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Peppermint: Peppermint boosts mood and creativity, improves concentration, and aids memory.
All in all, there are plenty of wonderful reasons to add houseplants to your home. Be sure to choose good quality plants from a reputable nursery, and enjoy the improved air quality, stress reduction, and mood boost sure to follow.
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About the Author:
Lori Roach’s professional career has encompassed convention management, corporate training, education administration, and – most important to her – full-time motherhood. As she entered her mid-fifties, she found herself moving to a new city – leaving her friends and job behind just as she became an empty nester. Seeking both purpose and a new challenge, Lori started a blog, CircleSquareOval. Her goal is to help every woman “shape a modern midlife” by focusing on self-discovery, confidence, and connection to the world around them.
A bit of a gypsy at heart, Lori has relocated twenty-two times in her life, making her something of an expert on settling into a new space, unpacking and decorating quickly, and creating a feeling of “home”. She joins Kuel Life as a Home Category Expert.
You can read more from Lori at CircleSquareOval and find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest as well.
