“In the world of nature, every day is a new day” – Shunmyo Masuno
Nature is therapeutic. The peaceful state we experience with nature can not be replicated elsewhere. Whether we name it green care or horticulture therapy, the idea is to connect with nature. And for those who don’t have access to outside greens, house plants are an obvious way to get a nature fix.
Plants not only beautify your space, but they can also benefit you in numerous ways enhancing your overall well-being. Furthermore, taking care of a plant deepens your connection with nature. Thus including plants in your self care routine works wonders for your emotional and psychological health.
Calming effect
Plants add comfort to enclosed spaces. Green itself is a colour of calmness. Plants make our surrounding feel home. Scientifically as well, plants absorb background noises, making ambient peaceful. Whichever place you put them in, they liven up that whole space. Plants are the bridge that brings us close to the nature. And nature is our escape route from stress and anxiety. No wonder we look forward to holidaying in nature whenever work loads up. Because spending time in greenery help in easing out worries.
Bring happiness
We humans are rooted in nature. And this affiliation of ours towards nature is hypothesised as Biophilia, which is our innate desire to connect with nature and living beings. What else does represent nature better than a flourishing plant? Colourful flower petals in perfect harmony with the vibrant greens of leaves give us visual pleasure. And this artistic sight evokes feeling of happiness. Not to mention, indoor greenery had same impact as the plants in natural setting. Which gives us all the more reasons to plant a few in our homes.
Improve sleep quality
So, what kind of environment does anyone needs for a good sleep? Fresh air to calm your nerves, pleasant sight to unwind your senses, soothing fragrance to lull you in a peaceful state and subdued noise that drifts you into deep relaxation; and plants indeed provide them all. There aesthetic colours mixed with fractal patterns creates an inviting atmosphere. When you surround yourself with this beautiful form of nature, you gift yourself a much needed restful slumber.
Encourage generosity
When we nurture a plant, we engage in an act of giving which is more than mere caregiving. It’s not only about providing nutrients or water; rather it’s an act of connecting ourselves with something greater than us. Plants are ‘givers‘ in every form, even after they die. They always give much more than they take. Their existence is permanent; it’s meaningful. They teach us to live a life with purpose, while encouraging us to give back. Every interaction with them highlights the impact that nature has on our well-being.
Help us heal
Plants grow and stay with us through all seasons, through thicks and thins, just like a companion. They travel with us from city to city, change homes, adapting to new environments and at the same time enrich the surrounding with their presence. Through various phases of our life, they witnessing our joys and sorrows. They remind us of the cycle of life, of growth and fall. Teaching us resilience and patience as we learn to heal ourselves while navigating through life’s journey.
Sense of accomplishment
Nurturing a plant is like raising a child. Catering to all its needs and understanding the meaning of too much and too less. Just like a child requires a balanced environment to grow up, a plant also thrives under the right conditions. From planting a seed to watching it sprout, the journey is filled with moments of joy and learning. Every stage from seedling to bloom evokes a sense of accomplishment as it mirrors the patience and dedication that you need to nurture something delicate. And when your care is rewarded in the form of bloom and foliage, you feel a sense of pride and joy.
Mood Booster
Soil contains microbes called M. vaccae, also referred to as “outdoorphins.” They not only provide nutrients to plant also improves our mental well-being. They benefit us with better focus, positive emotions and lower stress. That’s why outdoor activities that offer soil exposure enhances our mood. Benefitting us both physically and psychologically.
Foster mindfulness
Every leaf and every bloom reminds us to slow down and appreciate simple glimmers of the world around us. Inviting us to take a moment to observe the surrounding and giving rest to our racing thoughts. As we begin to notice these tiny details, we learn to appreciate the beauty of nature which often goes unnoticed in our busy lives. And this way, plants encourage mindfulness and foster a sense of gratitude in us.
Serving a plant helps you appreciate little things and reconnect with nature. Let plant care become a integral part of your self care.
" If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Cicero