Why Plants Make Us Feel Good

Plants, they're everywhere

Raise your hand if you love plants! I have a feeling that most, if not all of you, raised your hands. This is a millennial’s world after all, and plants are ALL the rage right now. You see them on instagram, in fabulous home offices, and all over Pinterest. Beautiful green Monstera’s, moody purple Rubber Trees, and strikingly pointy Snake Plants — you name it, it’s out there brightening up someones space and adding to their aesthetic.

But, aside from the beauty aspect, have you ever noticed just how good plants make you feel? Walk into any plant shop and I guarantee your spirits will be lifted. For this same reason, Nature Retreats and Forest Bathing (i.e. spending time in a wooded area and surrounding yourself with plants) are quickly becoming popular trends.

The Science

We all know it: plants make us feel good. And guess what! There is actual science to back this and it’s proven by NASA — NASA, you guys! Plants are so important to our health and wellness, that NASA is studying their benefits. Which makes sense, given that their primary goal is to get us into space, right? Right! And NASA said it best when they said, “If man is to move into closed environments, on Earth or in space, he must take along nature’s life support system.” Translation? We NEED plants! Most of us already know that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the air, which in turn cleans the air of harmful pollutants. But did you also know that they’re removing roughly 87% of air toxins from the surrounding air in just 24 hours? Do me a favor and take a moment here to thank whatever plant is closest to your vicinity. *Thanks plant friend!* Studies have also proven that, in addition to reducing stress levels and boosting your mood, indoor plants improve our concentration and productivity by up to 15 percent, FIFTEEN PERCENT — I bet it’s starting to make sense now why those new plants were brought into your workplace, huh? You thought they were just adding to the culture, little did you know it was really just to increase your productivity -- cue evil laugh here (But, also, thanks boss. We’re healthier now.)

So whether you’re a seasoned plant parent in search of a new tropical challenge or you have a love/hate relationship with plants, you're going to benefit from whatever green beauty you decide to take home!