Indoor Plants-Reduce Stress and Anxiety

​Now that many regions in the US have transitioned to Daylight Savings Time, we wanted to start a conversation related to everyday life.  Every day brings its share of stress and that can be especially true for birthing people and new moms. With anxiety creeping into both our professional and personal lives stress can take its toll on our mind our body and even our spirit.
As the longer days wear on, fatigue can set in, accompanied by headaches as the day's stress takes over our well-being. Are we trapped in this cycle?
Often, our only recourse appears to be reaching for painkillers to ease the discomfort and if you’re pregnant that’s not a solution, some might reach for a chilled glass of wine, but that won’t work for a mom to be or a nursing mom. A soothing bath to unwind might be the answer. In our most recent podcast we talked extensively about Holistic Ways to Manage Stress,  in fact getting out into nature was one of the ways Dr. Bill Sears advised us to reduce stress, however there is another natural choice to remedy stress, and that’s by bringing some of nature inside    yes we found a great article listing some plants that can help transform the atmosphere indoors.
Now I can hear the wheels turning and some of you saying it’s not your thing and believe me I understand, after all even my plastic plants struggle to live…but I decided to do a deep dive and learn more about how indoor plants can reduce stress and anxiety …and I’m passing some of this information on to you.
If you are strictly podcast listeners, I invite you over to the YouTube channel for this one so that you can see the plants as I go along or visit the FOZA Blog where we’ll post the details on the best plants to ease stress and anxiety.
As a word of caution, here I’ll be talking about growing plants indoors to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.  In no way am I suggesting that any plant be ingested or used in any anyway other than as a potted plant.  some of you may like me have allergies or pets and maybe even small children so take your time and speak with your doctor and do the research, For those of you interested in the transformation that certain plants can bring for a more peaceful atmosphere in your home, one that is more uplifting and serene Let’s dive in.
 
 
The Boston Fern  is a lush, feathery fern is a natural humidifier and can help increase indoor humidity levels, which can have a calming effect on stress and anxiety. You may already know a lot about this popular plant, but did you know that NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration, conducted a study on this plant in which it was found to be one of the best at air purification. There are others but this is one to keep at the top of your list. As an added bonus to the Boston Fern’s beautiful foliage, but it is reported to be nontoxic to both children and pets. Still do your research.
Here, I’ve also added a few tips for showing love to your BF and if you don’t have one already I hope you’ll think about adding this versatile and beneficial to enhance both the aesthetic appeal of your home and the overall well-being of your indoor spaces.
 
Next, let’s look at
The Spider Plant  Some of it attributes …Easy to care for and adaptable, the spider plant is known for its ability to remove indoor air pollutants, and contribute to a healthier indoor environment. It’s beautiful, it’s reported to be human and pet friendly, it doesn’t need a ton of light so it’s great for the bathroom and it’s an oxygen producer so the bedroom is a good place to sit one …it looks happy so it’s a natural mood booster and that means it’s a stress reducer.
Overall, the Spider Plant is a versatile and beneficial houseplant that can enhance indoor air quality, promote relaxation, and add natural beauty to any space.
 
Number 3 let’s take a look at the Aloe Vera plant. So many products come from this plant you probably have one already, but some of you may not know the aloe vera has more than just healing properties, it also helps improve indoor air quality by absorbing harmful chemicals and toxins.
Often mistaken as a part of the cactus family, aloe is not a cactus, but it’s very own genus and with 500 varieties is actually grown for pharmaceutical purposes. It’s been reported to live for more than 100 years, so keep it in bright indirect sunlight and enjoy!
Because aloe vera is a natural air purifier, it can help to reduce anxiety and stress by giving you fresh air to breathe.
 
Number 4 on the list is the Rubber Plant The rubber plant is a low-maintenance indoor plant that helps purify indoor air by removing toxins, such as formaldehyde, and can create a calming ambiance in any space. Safe for humans, but not for pets.
Known as the humidity hero, rubber tree plants help maintain a comforting balance in your home’s humidity level.  The NIH - national Institutes of Health has conducted studies that show there is an important relationship between humidity levels and mental wellness.
Give your rubber tree plant lots of indirect bright light and let it bring you better air and more oxygen.
 
Number 5 is my personal favorite Lavender. Of course you see it outdoors a plenty, but having it indoors brings benefits as well and its reputation as a natural stress reducer is well known. It emits a calming fragrance that can help bring anxiety in check and it’s delicate lacy flowers are beautiful in any décor.
If you are a romantic then you may know that the lavender plant symbolizes devotion and that makes it very popular for weddings and anniversaries, what I did not know but learned in my research is that there are hundreds of varieties of lavender.  according to the US Lavender growers association, Yep, that’s a thing …there are more than 450 varieties.  I’ve included some care tips with this podcast, but you’ll want to research on your own, or ask your local garden center for more information.
 
On to number 6 fun and fragrant peppermint.  You just know this plant is going o perk you up!
The mint aroma not only has calming properties but also uplifts your mood. The natural menthol  relieves tension and fills you with energy. Whether you are home or work, a small planter does not take up much space even on the desk, at in the bedroom, you will get a healthy and sound night’s sleep with less anxiety and nervousness.
For care, while you can keep your Peppermint plants small, they can grow to be quite tall up to 3 ft
So keep that in mind.
 
Number 7 is the African Violet has tons of benefits.
Starting with the ability to Live long and proper yes I am doing the Vulcan salute , but seriously the African Violet is perfect for a busy household.  It’s reported to be safe around humans and pets and
From my little chart you can see it has many of the best qualities listed to aid in the reduction of anxiety.
For care it needs very little to bring you happiness, oxygen, cleaner air and a mood boost. It’s easy to propagate and surround your self with beauty.
 
Last but not at all least number 8 is the Christmas Cactus,  Also reported safe to be around humans and pets, this is a beautiful plant to have in the house is you are looking for a low maintenance plan that is uplifting at first sight. It does not need much watering or attention and will even bloom in the winter months! There is an article on the birds and bloom website reporting one family has passed down the same Christmas cactus for more than 145 years. Now that’s what I’d call longevity.
So check out the Christmas Cactus and don’t let the cactus name mislead you into thinking it will only survive in desert conditions because it can thrive very well in cool temperatures. As well.
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I only placed 8 plants on my list but there are dozens of house plants that can help ease anxiety and stress during these longer days at work and play. Remember you are your own best advocate so before bringing in any plant do the research and speak with your local gardening center.
 There are many plants that will help calm you down and put you in a positive mood. Don't let stress and anxiety disrupt your mental well-being and harm your health.