Summer’s here and balmy nights spent at Glastonbury and lazy, louche days up on Henman Hill have had us renewing our vows to the Great British outdoors all over again. Yep, we think it’s fair to say that we all want to connect with nature more often, to lay in a field, frolic amongst the long grass or climb a tree and stay up there for a little longer than is normal. But where do you find the time? Well, sometimes there’s no shame in bringing the outside in; a sly nod to nature in times of urban suffocation. Yep, you guessed it; today we’re channeling the energy of indoor plants. Here are 5 IDEAL reasons to invest in some today.
A PRODUCTIVITY INCREASER
Whether you’re a socialite or hermit, a slave to the office or work from home, a fan of adventure or a lover of domestic comforts, your home should always be a pleasant, productive environment. Well, we’re sure you know what’s coming next….
Having pot plants is a savvy move if you work from home as they’ve been proven to boost productivity. Studies have consistently shown that having a minimalist space bolstered by the presence of greenery aids concentration in home-office workers. Obviously huge trees or unkempt foliage aren’t exactly conducive to a steely focus – clutter is the enemy of performance after all – but some well groomed, small plants are great.
OXYGEN CREATORS
Plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen in the process; them’s the facts. Wait, we know what you’re thinking, but don’t be put off by that silly old wives’ tale that you shouldn’t have plants in your bedroom; it’s nonsense. The amount of carbon dioxide plants give off at night through photosynthesis is negligible. If anything, they promote better breathing – don’t believe us? Then just ask Nasa.
AIR PURIFIERS
Did you know that indoor air pollutants are ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health? Indeed, harmful gases aren’t simply confined to the traffic jampacked roads of the big cities; your home appliances and household products are responsible for a fair bit of the bad stuff, too. If your home doesn’t have proper ventilation, health problems await. As such, sourcing indoor plants online or investing in some in the old fashioned way, from your local garden centre, can help to purify the air indoors. Instead of expensive, noisy air humidifiers, indoor plants serve the same purpose, particularly aloe vera; perfect for purifying the air within your home as it removes the toxins and provides you with a clear, fresh space to live in.
STRESS REDUCERS
Regardless of the amount of time you spend in your castle, a few, simple, low cost tweaks can make it an infinitely more calming space. Of all the adjustments and additions you could make, the most foolproof and straightforward, we think, is the addition of some indoor greenery.
We all know the aesthetic benefits of looking around the room and seeing the vibrant colours of pot plants, that’s for sure. Think about it; we surround ourselves with flowers in times of both celebration and tragedy, to soothe us, to lift the spirits and to be a visual representation of our feelings. Well, research confirms these assumptions; having foliage and greenery around is great for emotional wellbeing. It’s sometimes down the the simplest of things; apparently having something to care for and maintain, however innocuous, brings with it a sense of self-worth and purpose. Gardening is often cited as an alleviator of depression, so it makes perfect sense to bring all that positive energy indoors.
SLEEP ENHANCER
Finding it hard to nod off because of your room’s stuffy disposition? Is stress and anxiety causing sleepless nights of tossing, turning and turbulence? Well, if placed next to your bed (within breathing distance, if you will) plants like jasmine, lavender and aloe vera can have a hugely soothing impact on your nodding off. Oh yes.