Because plant care is self care! We all know that plants can instantly beautify a space. But did you know they can also contribute to your wellbeing?
The presence of plants around you can boost your mood and reduce your stress levels – bringing tranquility to your space – Here at NODE, we're the masters of hygge and cottagecore; creating joy and coziness in life's everyday moments is what we're all about!
Research has shown there are many benefits to being in the presence of nature, whether that’s by taking a walk in the forest, having a small garden, or keeping a few household plants. Studies have shown that plants and gardening aid in decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression while increasing productivity and serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter responsible for uplifting mood! Yes, plants have powers too!
Plants can also help people relax and feel calm while stimulating creativity with the potential to engage multiple senses, sight, smell, and touch. Activities like watering and tending to plants, responding to sunlight, and recognizing what plants and humans need to thrive can be meaningful experiences for us.
So here are our 5 ways to help you boost your wellbeing through houseplants! Let's go!
1. Give - go make someone's day today!
Carrying out acts of kindness, whether small or large, can increase happiness, life satisfaction, and a general sense of wellbeing. It feels good to give back with no gift in return.
Maybe you've got heaps of cuttings you don't know what to do with, or you've fallen out of love with a particular plant - trust us, it happens to us all! We are looking at you, Mr. fiddly Fiddle-leaf fig! So why not make someone’s day by swinging by with an unexpected plant present?! We know that would make our day!
2. Be active - weightlifting or plantlifting?
We all would love to go to the gym or do some soul cycle on the weekends, but if you've got "plants," look no further! Why not spruce your space this spring and style your houseplants differently this season?
Start lifting those houseplants around the house and change your green corners up!
You know you'll get a good workout even with the most basic plant chores! Lifting that bag of potting soil, walking back and forth to the tap to refill your watering can, or even just moving them around the house to find the perfect light condition for your favorite green baby. Who needs the gym when you've got your own indoor jungle gym? Save your gym fees for your next wish list plant!
3. Keep learning - it's never too late!
Learning new things can boost our self-confidence and our self-esteem and even help us to find meaning and purpose in life. It’s a great way to keep your brain active and healthy. And in a world that is changing faster than ever, there are so many opportunities to learn new skills outside of the workplace and school.
And for us here at NODE, we love teaching and being creative with you!
Our workshops are fun-filled and always educational! Maybe it's time to learn the ins and outs of propagating indoor plants to grow your own garden into a jungle or create your own living terrarium and learn all about the care for these special mini ecosystems - all while enjoying hanging out in the jungle oasis.
4. Connect - feel the mood-boosting energy of houseplants
Let’s not beat around the bush – we all know the incredible power that plants hold in boosting our mood. Most people know that interacting with the natural world is a great stress buster. From taking walks in a park to practicing “forest bathing” on hikes to gardening, working with the natural world can help us refocus, be more mindful of the present, and better cope with stressors. Gardening indoors with houseplants can help too.
Working with houseplants can greatly diminish common signs of stress, including cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rates. A simple task such as watering or repotting your houseplants can help slow respiratory rates and soothe mind chatter.
For people who do not have ready access to nature or space to garden outdoors, adding a houseplant or two to a sunny windowsill can help ease agitated nerves and promote relaxation.
5. Take notice - be present and enjoy the little things in life
At the core of hygge lies the message of enjoying the little things in life – and it is something we want to remind you of. Appreciating the little things in life means focusing on what brings us joy and happiness instead of those things that are negative.
It means practicing gratitude for those everyday moments that are so easy to take for granted or forget. Because those little things are the things, we often end up cherishing the most.
So the next time you see new growth on your Monstera deliciosa, beautiful variegation on your trailing Epipremnum aureum "Snow Queen," or your successful cuttings that have rooted and are ready to be potted up - we recommend our organic houseplants potting mix, trust us, your plants will love you back! Remember to smile and give yourself a pat on the back for all the love, care, and hard work you've put into keeping your green gang happy. Because we know plants make people happy!
It is clear that plants really do make our lives so much better. And given all the health and wellness benefits as well as the overall aesthetic appeal and therapeutic feeling that simply having plants brings to our indoor spaces, there is no denying that indoor plants really do make us happier.
