The Science Behind Why Plants Make You Happy

It’s evident that at some point in my life, specifically where plants are concerned, I crossed the threshold from casual acquaintanceship into full-fledged obsession. You could say they just kind of grew on me.

But more so, I realized plants provide an outlet for me to feed my nurturing side and my creativity, without being intrusive or demanding. I’ve clearly tapped into the emotional side of being a plant mama, but there’s actual scientific evidence about how plants can make you happier and healthier. Here’s what we know so far:

Plants Purify the Air
You may already know this one, but having plants around your home has greater benefits than simply adding an aesthetic touch. The friendly folks at NASA, in their Clean Air Study, found that the presence of greenery in homes and offices removed such toxins as ammonia, formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Those are all fancy words for chemicals that lurk in common household items like printing ink, paper towel, detergent, and window cleaner. Plants gather these toxic fumes through their roots and leaves, breaking them down into byproducts they can use as food later. What does that leave us? Purer, healthier air to breathe. Not a bad trade-off.

Plants Reduce Stress
Many people, including myself, feel naturally drawn to the calming effects of nature. More research is now surfacing that speaks to both the physiological and psychological benefits of keeping plants around your home or workspace. In fact, interacting with plants on a regular basis can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while improving mood and relaxation. (Think of it as the coveted endorphin rush, but without having to wheeze through a 3-mile run.) As someone who struggles with anxiety, immersion in nature has an almost instantaneously positive effect on my emotional state. I’ve also found that the routine nurturing of plants provides a much-needed respite from the stress of everyday life.

Plants Boost Cognitive Skills
Struggling to concentrate or be productive? Buy a plant! Studies conducted by Exeter University in the UK and Texas A&M here concluded that flowers and potted plants boosted creativity and problem-solving skills. Even the University of Michigan is getting the dirt on the benefits of plants, including how nature can have a profound effect on memory and even improve attention spans, with results similar to those you’d get from meditating. A walk in the park and a consequential boost in memory retention sounds a lot more enjoyable than completing a sudoku. But then again, numbers really aren’t my thing. Perhaps I should try meditating again … but maybe in a room full of plants this time.

Plants Help You Heal
While we already know the emotional healing plants provide, they’re also pros at accelerating physical healing, too. The concept of horticultural therapy is centuries old, but there’s a reason it has been gaining more recognition in recent years. The emotional and cognitive benefits of plants naturally create a better healing environment within our physical bodies. In fact, it’s recommended that potted greenery and flowers adorn the windowsills in hospital rooms of patients who’ve recently undergone surgery. Who wouldn’t want significantly reduced anxiety, pain, and fatigue as they recover? Best of all, therapeutic plantlife is inexpensive and noninvasive, providing significant health benefits for the minimal maintenance they require. Hospital gift shops have already figured this out, of course.

Plants Improve Mindfulness
Most houseplants need very little attention or affection (though I do think carrying on conversations with your plants is perfectly acceptable and perhaps even recommended). However, the mere act of tending to and nurturing a living thing can take focus from ourselves and transition it into gentle, purposeful care of something else. In fact, literally getting your hands dirty in microbiome-rich potting soil can be good for our immune system and can have antidepressive effects. As if that weren’t enough, more studies suggest that being in the midst of nature can foster better connections with people and kinder feelings toward others. Is it time to gift a plant to a not-so-friendly coworker or neighbor? Possibly.

Plant Care Is Self Care
I truly believe that caring for plants can positively impact people, in more ways than one! Do you agree with the scientific discoveries, or are you still skeptical? I’m curious to hear your opinion!

XO,
Micah