Series: Back 2 School
We have all found ourselves struggling to concentrate; whether studying for a test, finishing a large project, or just downright getting creative, we all could use a little brain boost. What if I told you that you could obtain that brain boost simply by placing a houseplant in your study area or creative space? Well, it's true!
"A recent study from the University of Michigan found that being in nature or in the vicinity of houseplants increased memory retention by up to 20%."
- Plant Hill Nursery
Transitioning from that summer state of mind back into work or scholastic mode can be rough. Houseplants can make that transition just a bit smoother. Not only do they purify the air, but they also enhance focus and concentration, reduce stress, and increase happiness; what don't they do? Read on for some fun facts on houseplants and how they can get you in that Back to School mindset!
Plants can reduce psychological and physiological stress.
AIR - PURIFIER
In 1989 NASA released a study that plants indeed purify the air. In particular, recommended having at least one plant per every 100 square feet (which is 10 square meters). No need to purchase a fancy machine; just by having a plant in your study space, you're already breathing cleaner air!
CREATIVE AID
Did you know that houseplants can make you more creative? Having plants in your study or working environment can boost creativity by 15%, sometimes even more. Just staring at your plant can have this effect!
"In one study, German researchers had subjects glance at certain colors for two seconds before doing a creative task. They found that the color green boosted people's creative output more than other colors, including white, grey, red, and blue."
- Wasatch Greenscapes
FOCUS & CONCENTRATION ENHANCING
Simply being around plants enhances focus and concentration. Did you also know that just by staring at a plant, you can increase how you study and prepare for projects?
"Researchers have been experimenting with ways to help people with ADHD better manage their symptoms. In one study evaluating focus, children in classrooms with a green wall scored better than their counterparts with no indoor plants."
- Plant Hill Nursery
MEMORY BOOSTER
As we jump back into the school year (even if you're returning to the office after working from home), you may be looking for solutions to get your memory back up to speed. If you've read this far in the blog, you may have a good guess as to what may help that... it's houseplants.
The University of Michigan concluded that just by being near plants or out in nature, memory retention increased to 20%! That's a good boost; if you ask me, now the leftover 80% of your memory, you'll have to find elsewhere.
STRESS REDUCER
Have you considered putting a houseplant in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, or office? Well, you should; it's scientifically proven to reduce your stress, and you'll feel calmer and much more zealous to start your next project. Decorating with the right plants during the fall and winter can benefit your overall energy (and mood).
"...active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress compared with mental work. This is accomplished through suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure and promotion of comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings."
- NIH
Research and study show that people often feel more comfortable, less stressed, and calm after the plant-related task versus if they performed a computer-based task.
PARTING WORDS
Bring a piece of happiness to your indoor space with houseplant happiness. If you didn't know already, you now know that nature can make us joyous, with copious amounts of science to back it up. Studies show that indoor plants can boost our moods, lessen anxiety, and improve mental and physical health! Plants really can make us superhuman (or at least close).
SOURCES
Ford, Colleen. "Why Do Houseplants Make Us Happy?" AMLI Residential, 12 June 2021, https://www.amli.com/blog/why-do-houseplants-make-us-happy.
Ghosh, Rima. "7 Best Plants to Keep in the Study Room." Ferns N Petals, Ferns N Petals, 21 Nov. 2019, https://www.fnp.com/article/7-best-plants-to-keep-in-the-study-room.
Lee, Min-Sun et al. "Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study." Journal of physiological anthropology vol. 34,1 21. 28 Apr. 2015, doi:10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8
Madsen, Scott. "Benefits of Plants in the Office." Wasatch Greenscapes, Wasatch Greenscapes, 1 Feb. 2019, https://wasatchgreenscapes.com/office-plants-help-grow-creativity/#:~:text=Fear%20no%20more!,or%20more%20within%20the%20workplace.
Platt Hill Nursery. "How Houseplants Can Help You Study." Platt Hill Nursery, Platt Hill Nursery, 25 Nov. 2021, https://platthillnursery.com/how-houseplants-can-help-you-study/.
Zach. "10 Indoor Plants to Support Creativity and Well-Being." Creative Enso, Creative Enso, 8 Jan. 2021, https://creativeenso.com/indoor-plants-support-creativity/.
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