It’s common knowledge that nature does wonders for our mental health–there’s just something about being around natural life that is relaxing and cheers us up. However, there are certain houseplants and flowers that are particularly good for this, doing wonders for reducing stress and anxiety. So, when life is bringing you down, consider decorating your home with the following houseplants and flowers, and they’ll do their best to work their magic.
Peace Lily
Not only is peace lily stunning with its glossy leaves and elegant white blooms, but it also acts as a natural air purifier, removing toxins from the air to contribute to a healthier home environment. That’s certainly great for our lungs, but it also does wonders for our brain, which, in turn, improves our mood and helps to reduce anxiety. Now that’s a superplant!
Spider Plant
Famous for being particularly resilient, the spider plant is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners, but not just because it’s low-maintenance. Its long, arching leaves and small offshoots create a cheerful vibe, while also improving air quality by absorbing pollutants, just like the peace lily, helping you breathe easier and feel more relaxed at home.
Snake Plant
Despite its somewhat scary name, the snake plant is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety, primarily because it releases oxygen at night. This is going to make it a lot easier for you to breathe, especially when you’re sleeping, which will no doubt be good for your sleep hygiene. So, consider placing a snake plant on your bedside table, and you’ll likely feel benefits from it.
Aloe Vera
If you’d like an all-in-one plant that helps you in many different ways, you shouldn’t overlook aloe vera. Impressively, this succulent is multi-talented; not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also purifies the air while producing gel inside its leaves that can be used to soothe minor burns and skin irritations. It’s like having one of nature’s little helpers in a plant pot, ready for you whenever you’ve had a long day.
Jasmine
Jasmine’s delicate white flowers are not just beautiful; their fragrance is also said to be uplifting and calming. People often associate it with reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being, but whether you believe that or not, it’s still going to be pleasant to have around. It might sound “airy fairy,” but there’s just something about the jasmine plant that creates a serene ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a hectic day.
Rosemary
Even though it’s primarily popular for its contributions to the culinary world, rosemary is also famous for reducing stress levels and improving mood, and this all comes down to its fresh scent. Many people claim that it enhances their mental clarity, so if you’ve never owned it before, consider placing some on your desk to see if it inspires focus and reduces stress for you, too.
Chamomile
There’s no denying the calming effects of chamomile, a plant that is scientifically proven to help promote relaxation. While often enjoyed as a tea, having chamomile plants at home can also bring tranquility. Better still, their soft, daisy-like flowers are visually soothing, creating an all-round peaceful atmosphere in your home.
Pothos
The pothos plant is commonly celebrated for its beautifully trailing vines, but even more impressive is its air-purifying abilities. Just as with the peace lily and the spider plant, this has all sorts of benefits for your brain and body, enabling more oxygen to get to the places that need it. Best of all, it’s really easy to care for, so if you’re anxious or stressed about being capable, you really shouldn’t have any trouble.
Gerbera Daisy
These bright, cheerful flowers are not only a delight to the eyes but are also known for their mood-boosting properties, which are pretty impressive for a plant. To add to this, gerbera daisies also come in particularly vibrant colors, which helps to bring joy and energy to your home. Consider placing a bouquet of gerbera daisies in your living room and observe the good vibes flowing in.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant’s large, glossy leaves create a striking look in any room, but aside from its aesthetic value, it’s also very efficient at improving indoor air quality, helping to reduce toxins and promote a healthier atmosphere. Not only does this work biologically, but you could place one in your home and use it as a gentle reminder to take a breath and relax when things are getting stressful.
English Ivy
It can be a great idea to add a beautiful climbing plant to your houseplant collection, mixing the dynamics of your space up with something vertical, like the English ivy. Its trailing vines add a touch of nature to any space, and, as with many plants on this list, it filters airborne toxins. Trust us–your lungs and brain will no doubt thank you for introducing it to your home.
Lavender
You’ll often find lavender being used in aromatherapy, and if you give it a sniff, it’s easy to see why. Lavender promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality with its calming scent, a lot like chamomile, making it a wonderful addition to your bedroom. It doesn’t have to be complicated, either; simply placing a potted lavender on a windowsill or nightstand will likely be sufficient to calm your anxiety, even if just a little.
Ferns
Ferns, such as the Boston fern or the maidenhair fern, are perfect for adding a lush touch of tranquility to your home, and as with any other plant, they’ll help to bring new life to stale air. Uniquely, they thrive in humid conditions, so this might be the perfect plant for you if you’re looking for some decoration for your bathroom or kitchen.
Anthurium
There’s just something about the anthurium that is naturally calming. Sure, this might just be down to its heart-shaped leaves and air-purification, but regardless, it can certainly brighten up any room and help create a peaceful environment. If you’re ever feeling stressed or anxious, whatever that might be about, take a moment to just sit and be with your anthurium and see if it helps you to feel even a little bit better.
Gardenia
Last but not least is the gardenia, a plant famous for its intoxicating fragrance and beautiful white blooms. As a result of its stunning smell, it’s often associated with promoting feelings of calm and relaxation through aromatherapy, in addition to its anti-inflammation effects. So, why not keep a gardenia plant in your home to see if it helps you to feel calm–it certainly won’t make you more stressed!