The Pandemic has brought about drastic changes in every aspect of our lives- physical, mental, emotional, and social. It has inflicted a heavy toll notwithstanding constraints of time or space. The loss of loved ones, frequent lockdowns, and isolation have led to mental and emotional turmoil, of the kind unseen in recent times. Extended periods of loneliness have led to people picking up various hobbies to remain mentally and emotionally stable.
Gardening as a hobby has seen a remarkable boost in recent times. It is no secret that Mother Nature has healing powers. Evidence has shown that spending time in nature can bring about several beneficial changes in our bodies. Studies have also revealed that plants and trees release aromatic compounds called phytoncides that can bring about healthy biological changes in a manner akin to aromatherapy. Whether your garden is a big outdoor space or a small indoor one, plants are bound to elevate your mood and have a positive impact on all aspects of your health. This is due to the fact that plants, especially indoor plants can remove almost as much as 87% of toxins from the surroundings within approximately 24 hours of entering a home. Houseplants have also been found to help you feel calmer by lowering your blood pressure. In addition to relieving headaches, coughs, and fatigue, green leafy plants can alleviate your mood and sense of well-being.
Staying positive and emotionally and mentally stable can go a long way in helping combat these trying times. And what better way to deal with the situation than letting Mother Nature aid you in your endeavors? Here is a list of plants that are bound to boost your mood and help you get past the negativity and the uncertainty.
Lavender
Lavender has been used over the centuries for its sweet scent that not only reduces stress levels but also has a soporific effect. Regular watering and a place with lots of light are all that it needs to stay healthy.
Peace Lily
They absorb mold spores in the air and make for great houseplants. Make sure to plant them in a room that is dry, mist their leaves regularly and keep the soil damp.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has soothing properties. Its gel can soothe dry skin, burns, and acne. Place it in indirect sunlight. Make sure to let it dry between watering.
Snake Plant
According to some reports snake plants were the most searched for plants during the lockdown. Not surprising, considering that they not just need minimal care but are excellent sources of improving your overall well-being. Snake plants add moisture to the air and release oxygen, thereby ensuring that you remain healthy.
English Ivy
English ivy is known to help alleviate restlessness and cleanse your home by absorbing mold in the air. To grow an English ivy and enjoy a good night’s sleep. But make sure to place it in sunlight and keep its soil on the drier side.
Peacock Plant
Grow a peacock plant and improve your wellness quotients. These plants have the unique ability to cleanse your home by removing chemical vapor from the air. Though they do require a bit of maintenance, peacock plants are well worth the investment. Peacock plants should b placed in indirect sunlight in a humid room. Also, make sure to keep the soil moist.
Monstera
Monstera or Swiss Cheese plant can boost your mood and purify the air, thus making your home a healthy place to live in. The ideal growing conditions for Monstera are humid environments, away from direct sunlight.
Cactus
Cacti not only improve the aesthetics of your dwelling space but can also purify the air and boost your productivity. Plus, they are low-maintenance and need minimal watering.
Bamboo Palm
Not only do bamboo palms go a long way in giving a tropical vibe to your home, but they are also great at removing pollutants from the air. This in turn helps in calming anxiety and breathing better. A no-fuss plant, bamboo palms are great humidifiers and can survive with minimum attention.
Chinese Evergreen
Brighten up your living space with a Chinese evergreen. Not only is this plant visually appealing, but it also helps filter toxins from the air and improves your sense of well-being.
Fern
Mental health depends to a certain extent on the quality of the air we breathe. Ferns help remove toxins from the air. They also reduce stress by releasing moisture into the air. Moreover, they brighten our interiors.
Flamingo Lily
A gorgeous perennial plant that can enhance the aesthetics of your living space, the flamingo lily has properties that can have a positive effect on physical and mental health. Flamingo lilies remove toxins such as toluene, ammonia, xylene, and formaldehyde from the air while improving the moisture content of the air.
Jade Plant
Though jade grows slowly, it is worth having one in your home, since it removes indoor pollutants from cleaning products and paints. These chemicals can make us feel stressed and unwell. Jade can filter these pollutants and help restore well-being.
Rosemary
Not only does rosemary add a burst of flavor to your soups and stews, but it also improves overall air quality. This in turn has a positive impact on productivity, mood, focus, and stress.
Succulents
Besides adding color to your home, succulents release oxygen through the night, leading to a better quality of sleep, decreased tension and stress, and elevated mood.
Red-edged Dracaena
Rich in air purifying properties, this gorgeous plant releases oxygen at night and removes toxins like trichloroethylene and xylene from the air. This in turn helps in lowering anxiety and stress levels.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus with its distinct pleasant fragrance soothes and helps you appreciate the present and live in the moment.
Coming to outdoor plants that can elevate your mood, the following are highly recommended.
Gerbera Daisy
Though Gerbera Daisies need bright sunlight, you could bring them indoors in the afternoon. They are great at removing benzene room the air. Moreover, since they have the capability of producing oxygen at night, Gerbera daisies are highly recommended for those with sleep apnea.
Basil
The benefits of basil are manifold. Enriched with the compound Linalool, basil has the ability to pump oxygen into the air for 20 hours each day. This purifies the air, which in turn can have a positive effect on mood, blood pressure, and stress levels.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is well known for its soothing effects. A great plant to have if you are feeling stressed or anxious, chamomile’s gentle fragrance is an instant mood elevator.
Jasmine
With its fabulous fragrance, jasmine is ideal for those suffering from insomnia, anxiety, or poor sleep quality. Its heady floral scent has a sedating and calming effect that can work wonders on the mind.
Weeping Fig
A lovely plant that has the ability to combat depression, the Weeping Fig filters toxins out of the air and helps improve your overall health.
Roses
One of the most beautiful flowers, roses have a natural fragrance that instantly uplifts your mood. Studies have also revealed that looking at roses can have positive physical and psychological effects.
Orchids
Though a little high on maintenance, orchids can brighten your cay, enhance your mood, and improve focus. Lavender and purple orchids are especially endowed with the property of infusing positive energy.
Geraniums
With their rich vibrant colors and mild rose-like scent, geraniums are believed to promote mental peace.
Lily of the Valley
Statistics show that Lily of the Valley is much sought after as a mood booster because an overwhelming number of people associate its fragrance with happy memories.
Sweet Pea
Like Lily of the Valley, the fragrance of Sweet Pea, is also thought to be a mood enhancer.
So, these are some of the indoor and outdoor plants that can help restore balance to your life and keep the blues away. All of the above plants are sure to go a long way in helping you feel calm, relaxed, and less anxious. When you are surrounded by plants, your attention span, memory, and productivity show a substantial increase. Tending to plants can not only decrease psychological and physiological stress, but can also boost creativity. An indoor or outdoor garden can be your safe haven; your sanctuary from the rigors and tedium of everyday life.
Irrespective of whether you live in a small apartment or a large space, the above-mentioned plants have the capability to not just create a soothing environment, but also to improve your health and mood. They can also keep away loneliness and depression. Above all, the satisfaction you get when you see something thriving under your care is immeasurable and infinitely rewarding.
At Nelda, we believe that we all share a collective responsibility towards the environment. Towards this end, we need each and every citizen of this country to contribute towards this challenge we have undertaken. For individuals or enterprises interested in tree plantation in Pune, Nelda is their best bet. We have five years of experience in running successful plantation drives in Pune and in collaborating with NGOs working towards afforestation. Our team of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers is ever ready to guide you and make your efforts at the plantation a success.
To help make the earth a greener place, you can either donate saplings to Nelda or collaborate with us in running a plantation drive. Do get in touch with us and let us help you use your green fingers to make the earth a better place for future generations.
