Posted by Carolina Dequech on September 21, 2020

5 Reasons Why You Need More Plants!

During the COVID-19 pandemic it is no shock that worldwide we are spending 35% more time at home than we were in the beginning of the year… that is a huge a change!

So how can we create a home environment that is conducive to our wellness? The answer is simple: plants. In a time where self-care has become a word used to justify unnecessary spending (“you have to ‘treat yoself’ once in a while” (- Parks & Rec), there is no better way to take care of yourself than to get a little plant friend! Here are 5 reasons why you should ‘treat yoself’ to plants – and not a Batman costume.

 

  1. They filter the air

According to NASA, some indoor plants will actually help you breath better. Not only do they increase the amount of oxygen around them, but plants ~literally~ purify the air by trapping toxic compounds in their tissues and converting them into new plant tissue. These toxic compounds include pathogenic viruses, bacteria and organic material (benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde) that come from fuel, clothing and furniture. Would your human best friend do that for you??

 

2. They make you happier

And not only because they are so cute! Indoor plants have been shown to reduce physiological and psychological stress by suppressing the sympathetic nervous system activity and lowering diastolic blood pressure. This physiological relaxation promotes soothing and comfortable feelings, making you feel all of the naturally happy feelings.

 

3. They keep you healthy

Plants release moisture into the air, reducing dust particles that can cause infection and irritation in your airway. Studies have shown that when humidity hits above 40 percent, viruses such as the flu virus are significantly less virulence and infectiousness. Having some houseplants will decrease your chance of developing cold and flu symptoms – such as coughing, sneezing and congestion – as well as improving allergy symptoms. *Cough cough* get a plant *cough cough.

 

4. They help you sleep

Although most plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis during the day, others photosynthesize during the night through the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM basically means that they open their pores to exchange gas (absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen) during the night to avoid losing water during the day. Placing a CAM plant by your bed will increase the oxygen level during the night, improving your air quality and helping you get better sleep! CAM plants include succulents, snake plants and pineapple plants.

 

5. They help your focus 

Workspaces that are filled with indoor plants help enhance memory, creativity and productivity. Research shows that filling your workspace with plants increases productivity by 15%. I know I could definitely be 15% more productive!

So grab your mask, hit up a plant store and ‘treat yoself’ to some new plants friends!