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Roughly 15% of Americans claim to have occasional depression, with another 4% diagnosed with major depressive disorder. While we can’t say that something as simple as indoor plants can cure all depression, interior plants can go a long way toward helping us feel our best while alleviating feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The right kinds of plants can also help us stay focused and high-functioning. Sound too good to be true? Keep reading!
Benefits of Indoor Plants
Too much time indoors can be bad for us. Much like plants, we need sunlight, hydration, and fresh air for our bodies to work properly. Spending day after day in an office can leave some people feeling trapped and isolated. Any number of indoor plants can provide fresher air—and some, like lilies, spider plants, or succulents, actually scrub impurities from the air. Adding a plant or two to your workspace can be even more uplifting than a strong cup of coffee. Indoor plants also offer colors and scents that bring the outdoors to us, helping us feel relaxed and even tranquil, and some flowering plants have aroma-therapeutic properties. Lavender and lemon, for example, are known to boost mental function and have been shown to reduce error rates in typing pools.
One NASA study even found that indoor plants can reduce airborne bacteria and toxins by up to 65%. You may think you’re not breathing in anything harmful, but if your home or office includes new carpets or furniture, a printer, or cleaning solutions, or if any sort of manufacturing is happening nearby, you almost certainly are breathing in chemicals all day long. That may account for the tired feeling you get in the afternoons.
Would you believe that fresh, clean air from plants is a better pick-me-up than an energy drink? Give it a try! Indoor plants are an excellent addition to any home or office. If you’re not sure how to get started, ask the experts. For more information, call 1-888-284-2257.
