Caring for plants can have a beneficial effect on your mental health. Especially if you choose from this list compiled by professionals.
Gardening and raising plants has perhaps never been as popular as it is today. According to psychotherapist Jamie Keaton Jones, this may be because there have been a lot of worrying events in the world in recent years. However, taking care of plants has allowed many people to focus on something positive, feel more comfortable in their immediate living space, and learn to better appreciate the beauty of nature.
What are the benefits of growing plants?
“The presence of plants has many positive effects in terms of mental health: it reduces stress, relieves depressive feelings, increases self-esteem and sociability, improves mood, enhances cognitive performance and helps to find focus,” listed the psychotherapist .
This was also confirmed by related research, according to which the proximity of plants is definitely beneficial, regardless of whether it is a forest, a small garden or some houseplants.
“A study showed that patients who had plants in their hospital room experienced less pain, anxiety and fatigue , and their blood pressure improved compared to those who were placed in a room without plants,” recalled Dr. Jenny Seham is a clinical psychologist.
The reason for this observation may be that, according to research, interaction with plants reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol , while increasing the level of serotonin, which is responsible for a good mood .”
IT CAN HELP PEOPLE TURN AWAY FROM NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS.
Tyler Keith, a social worker specializing in stress and behavioral problems, mentioned another benefit. “Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, taking care of plants creates an opportunity to focus on the moment and provides an immediate sense of accomplishment.”
However, it is important to clarify that it should not be seen as some kind of universal cure. “It does not directly affect processes related to mental health. This is one piece of the puzzle that can be beneficial for some people through positive thoughts and feelings,” Keith pointed out.
How many plants do you need?
According to Jones, the focus is not on the number of plants, but rather on interacting with them. “Are they in a place where you see them often? Are they blooming?” – the psychologist provided some clues. If, for example, there is little space, or if you are a beginner in growing plants, you should start small.
“Even a single plant can make a difference, and by seizing it with its scent or color, it can trigger a positive emotional reaction in every interaction,” remarked dr. Seham. But what kinds of species are worth thinking about? Above all, experts recommend the following 8 easy-to-keep plants to improve your mental health.
1. Mother tongue
If you do not have enough experience in indoor gardening, it is advisable to start with a simple, no frills plant . Mother-in-law’s tongue, with sword-shaped, dark green, often mustard-yellow or white-striped furrowed leaves, is just that. „ Also great as a first plant . It is very easy to take care of, feels good even in places with little sunlight, has a spectacular appearance and has an air purifying effect,” Jones praised the plant.
Keith also says that Mother Tongue is an excellent choice for beginners as well. Since it doesn’t burn in the sun and tolerates drought well, if you decide to water it, it is also suitable for building some confidence in plant care.
2. Greens
Armed with bright green leaves worthy of its name, Zöldike or chsokrosinda is very low-demand. According to Keith, it works well even with high humidity, and its light requirements are medium, which is why some people put it in the bathroom to make the space cozier, warmer, and make the bathing experience even more relaxing.
Another advantage of the green plant is that it can be easily propagated by cutting off its shoots, so it offers practically an endless supply, and it can also be a great (and free) gift for your friends.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known for its medicinal properties, is the dream of beginner plant owners, as it hardly requires any kind of care and tolerates drought so well that it can be sufficient to water it even once a month. “I also recommend it because it helps purify the air in your home, and the gel extracted from its leaves can be useful for burns, cuts and scrapes, as it speeds healing and relieves pain,” notes Keith. In fact, you can also treat sunburn with it.
4. Room runner
Known for its oval, heart-shaped leaves, the indoor runner is loved by many because it can be run up on almost any surface, but it also looks great hanging down. Jones likes it mainly because it is easy to care for, it filters the air in the home, and with its hanging leaves it looks gorgeous on the top of a bookshelf, for example, while Keith recommends it because it can be easily propagated.
5. Lavender
Lavender probably doesn’t need to be introduced to you either. The herb of incomparable beauty and pleasant smell, which in nature attracts many pollinators such as bees and butterflies, has a calming, stress-relieving effect , makes it easier to fall asleep, and has strong anti-inflammatory properties when applied locally.
6. Basil
“Taking care of, collecting and using herbs from your garden has a positive effect on mental health, while stimulating your senses and providing a sense of accomplishment,” highlighted Dr. Seham.
In addition, basil, which requires a lot of sunlight, not only makes food tastier, but – as Weill mentioned – can have a beneficial effect on health. “It has properties that relieve stress and anxiety. Its leaves act as adaptogens , that is, they help the body adapt to stress, which can also contribute to mental clarity.”
7. Lemongrass
This fragrant, green herb belonging to the mint family is relatively easy to grow. “It is known for its calming properties and has a mild lemony scent, which can be enhanced by rubbing the leaves between your fingers,” says Dr. Seham, who says lemongrass, which is also used in teas and beauty products, is often used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality and appetite, and treat indigestion. If you don’t have a garden, it can also be planted in a pot next to a sunny window.
8. Peppermint
According to Dr. Seham, spearmint, which also belongs to the mint family, is a fast-growing, hardy herb whose fragrant leaves promise an immediate calming effect , so you don’t even have to bother making a tea out of them.
The advantage of homemade greenhouses can also be shown in terms of savings
Greenhouses and foil tents are becoming more and more popular, as they provide a good opportunity to supply the family with fresh vegetables in a small area, saving up to HUF 300,000 per year. However, it is worth checking before the design, as in some cases it is also necessary to obtain a building permit. The good news is that horticulture can now develop with state support.
In addition to hobby gardens, more and more people are starting to grow vegetables or herbs at home, which is no wonder because of the high prices. It is true that professional growers use different technology, but both aim to minimize the extremes of weather and make it more predictable. A public study was recently published, the purpose of which was to show the economic benefits of sustainable gardening at home. The results are remarkable from several points of view: on the one hand, in the case of a family of three, carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by up to 150 kg per year through self-sufficiency, and on the other hand, if they grow for their own needs from spring to autumn, they can save up to HUF 350,000. In an average hobby garden, lettuce, carrots, cherry tomatoes, spring onions, kale, celery, beans, kale and peas are grown together with many herbs, which grow exceptionally well even in a cold greenhouse. Warm-season plants such as cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes develop best when kept at a constant 12-29 degrees Celsius.
Although for many, the emphasis is not on quantity, but on quality, so there are many arguments in favor of greenhouses as opposed to the garden. The nightmare of growers is, for example, spring frost damage, which can almost nullify a significant part of the expected harvest. But drought, hail and stormy winds do not spare either the orchards or the vegetable gardens. In addition to environmental damage, the greenhouse protects our plants from today’s temperature fluctuations. The most delicious fruit of the spring season, strawberries, is delayed by at least three weeks compared to the average season, but even in a foil tent, you have to wait at least two weeks for the harvest compared to previous years.
Support for the construction of modern greenhouses, plant houses and foil houses
It can already be seen that there is a serious demand from the population for the construction of greenhouses, plant houses and foil houses. It is good news that billions can be used for the modernization of horticulture within the framework of the government’s support program. The details of the call are known, but the final decision is yet to be made.
