Feel a little less frazzled and a little more zen thanks to these green friends.
With April marking Stress Awareness Month, we’re turning to the power of plants to help us feel more relaxed. From potted palms that purify the air to cool and collected cacti that calm you when you’re nervous, houseplants boast a variety of benefits for both your body and mind. In fact, research has shown that filling your home with plants can reduce feelings of tension by almost 40 per cent – sold yet? This is because they remind us of nature, which of course, has a calming and soothing feel about it. Here’s five types of greenery that will have you feeling more relaxed in no time.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant really is the perfect all-rounder – it’s easy to care for, has a striking foliage and is one of the best plants for improving air quality, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide from the air. As a result, this helps you to breathe better air, of course having a positive impact on your wellbeing. Although this plant will thrive anywhere you position him, we’d recommend placing in your bedroom so you can make the most of its air purifying benefits as you sleep.
Areca Palm
This palm will effortlessly inject tropical vibes into your home as its exotic appearance is reminiscent of beach holidays – and whilst that alone is enough to make us feel more relaxed, that’s only the beginning of this plant’s health benefits. It is praised for its air-purifying qualities and breathing better air helps to lower blood pressure, and it can also bring relief to dry skin - talk about a multi-tasker!
Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera plant is synonymous with healing, no wonder it is widely used as a herbal remedy – the clear gel found inside its leaves contain 75 health-giving nutrients – perfect for soothing insect bites, burns and sunburn. It also helps remove harmful chemicals from the air and can reduce feelings of anxiety. And despite doing all of that for our health, it requires very little care in return, as it’s a very low maintenance plant. In fact, the Egyptians were said to call it the ‘plant of immortality’ because of its resilience.
Monstera Deliciosa
One of the most recognisable houseplants is the Monstera Deliciosa, but it’s so much more than just a pretty face! The Swiss Cheese Plant, as it’s commonly known as, is said to be a real mood booster and is fantastic at absorbing a pollutant from the air called xylene, which negatively affects the brain.
Asparagus Fern
With delicate, wispy and feather-like foliage, the Asparagus Fern is calming in its looks alone. It is great at purifying the air, and its beautiful leaves will certainly remind you of nature, leaving you feeling less stressed in no time. Although just to confuse you, this plant isn’t a true fern, it is merely called that because of its appearance.