Amidst the winter blues, incorporating indoor plants into your living space not only adds beauty but can also contribute to combating seasonal affective disorder. Various indoor plants thrive during winter and bring color to your home, lifting spirits during the dreary months.
Dr. Charlie Hall, a professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, emphasizes the positive impact of plants on mental and physical well-being. He suggests that plants can improve the quality of life, akin to the joy one feels around pets. The presence of plants triggers positive responses in the brain, contributing to a sense of well-being.
Plants can positively influence mental health by reducing stress and lowering cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Dr. Hall’s research indicates that being surrounded by nature, whether in the form of houseplants or outdoor greenery, leads to stress reduction, enhanced memory retention, reduced effects of dementia, and greater life satisfaction.
For those seeking low-maintenance houseplants, succulents, philodendron, pothos, and dracaenas are recommended. Seasonal choices like poinsettias and Easter lilies can also brighten up your space during the winter months. Placing plants away from drafts and heating vents ensures their well-being.
Even if you struggle to keep plants alive, Dr. Hall encourages people not to be discouraged. The benefits of having plants extend beyond their lifespan, offering positive impacts on mental health regardless of their longevity.
