Health Benefits of Indoor Plants
There is no doubt the industrial revolution led to widespread urbanization. Workers moving from farms to cities were met with buildings and paved roads in place of nature. In modern times, large urban areas contain more concrete than trees and grass. In fact, other than water, we use more concrete than any other substance. Does living in an urbanized concrete world affect our mental health? The answer is yes. Urbanization increases our stress levels due to overcrowding, pollution, and violence. What’s more, it’s estimated only 13% of urban residents reap the mental health benefits of plants. Currently, more than 80% of Americans live in an urbanized setting. As other countries become more industrialized, the worldwide number of urbanites is expected to rise by the year 2050. Never has it been more important to understand and utilize the psychological benefits of plants.
Psychological Benefits of Plants
Study after study has demonstrated the benefits of plants in the work, school, hospital and the home environments. Simply adding green space to these environments can improve both mental and physical health. Working in a garden can improve muscle tone and being around nature and plants can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Much of the research on the benefits of indoor plants has looked to the following as barometers of improved mental health:
