Our fast-paced lives are taking us away from nature. By the time we finish work, most of us are so exhausted that all we want to do is sleep. We have less and less time for ourselves, and stress is slowly taking over. It’s known that nature can help relieve stress, but what if you don’t have the time to visit the park? What if you’re just too exhausted? The answer is simple — plants. Yes, getting indoor plants will make your home livelier; it will also help you reduce stress, sleep better, and improve your home's air quality.

Indoor Plants Help With Stress

Science confirms that the color green makes us feel empowered, abundant, fresh, and rested. So when you buy a plant, have in mind that something as simple as a succulent can quickly become your little oasis of peace. You’ll observe it grow, and you’ll work around it, spending time away from devices and screens. This may help you zone out and relax. Here’s a list of plants that may help relieve stress: 

• Aloe vera

• Lavender

• Peppermint

• Peperomia obtusifolia

• Dracaena trifasciata (snake plant)

Breathe Easier With a Houseplant

Aside from reducing stress, indoor plants also filter the air, providing additional health benefits. Air-purifying plants absorb carbon dioxide and other gasses, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene. These indoor pollutants are linked with many health conditions, such as asthma, cancer, and some respiratory illnesses. Luckily, the following plants can help you get rid of toxins once and for all:

• Bamboo palm

• Chinese evergreen

• Fern

• Flamingo lily

• Rosemary

Spice up Your Kitchen

The living room is not the only place for houseplants. A kitchen is excellent for all those fresh herbs that you can use while cooking. And you’ll agree that fresh herbs are better than dried ones. This will help you improve your health and kitchen décor, and you’ll also have tastier food. Here are some examples of herbs you can easily grow in your kitchen: 

• Parsley

• Dill

• Basil

• Sage

• Cilantro

Rest Your Eyes

If you’re the type of person who spends their days in front of a screen, you’ll probably want to rest your eyes after a long day. Indoor plants can help you relax your eyes and your mind. Beautiful flowers combined with green leaves can boost your creativity and improve your mood. The following plants can add some color pop to your home: 

• String of pearls

• Succulents (any kind) 

• Aglaonema red valentine (Chinese evergreen) 

• Croton Petra

• Adenium obesum (red desert rose) 

• Ti plant

Having Both Houseplants and Pets Isn’t Impossible 

In case you have children or pets, don’t forget to do your research on which plants you should get. Many are toxic to children, cats, and dogs, so you’ll need to be extra careful about selecting the right plant for your place. Here are some non-toxic plants that you can buy without worrying if other members of your household will chew on them:

• Christmas cactus

• Boston fern

• African violet

• Peperomia obtusifolia 

• Swedish Ivy

How to Care for Indoor Plants

Some plants demand more care than others, and this can cause increased anxiety. Nobody wants their plants to wilt. Naturally, you’ll want to research different sorts before you purchase anything. Depending on the variety, they might need more light, while some demand specific temperatures.

You’ll want to pay attention to the soil in the pot. Don’t let it dry out too much unless you have a plant that loves dry soil. Also, try not to make it too wet. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole so that the excess water can seep out. This protects the roots from rot, fungus, and bacteria. Consider buying proper fertilizer to add more minerals to the soil. It might seem complicated, but luckily, many beautiful plants on the market are easy to take care of. These include: 

• Pothos

• Spider plant

• ZZ plant

• Barrel cactus

• Parlor palm

Summary

Having indoor plants will spice up the décor of your home and help you deal with anxiety and stress. You’ll be in touch with nature, even if you live in an urban area. Houseplants are an excellent addition to your kitchen too since fresh herbs don’t take up a lot of space. Whether you’re an experienced gardener, or a beginner looking for simplicity of care, there’s a plant out there waiting for you.