Mother nature is one of life’s greatest natural anti-depressants. Many ancient cultures have long been aware that staying connected with nature is essential to living a healthy life.
In a natural environment, plants are constantly recharging the energy around us and cleansing the air of harmful pollutants, viruses, and bacteria. When our connection with nature is weak, or nonexistent, we often find ourselves becoming sick, having no energy, and in the long run, depressed and stressed. This is why it is essential for us to maintain our relationship with nature, and using indoor plants can help you accomplish this.
Using indoor plants to help relieve depression, stress, and even anxiety is something modern medicine is starting to recognize. (You can insert your own punny weed joke here.) While modern medicine isn’t sure exactly how plants help relieve depression and stress, I have gathered a few reasons through my own research on the healing benefits of plants.
Recharging Your Environment
As plants rejuvenate and regenerate themselves through their natural life cycle, they are constantly transforming energies found in our environment.
Plants are known to release negative ions. Negative ions are abundant in areas with large concentrations of trees, and especially in places with moving water (ie. streams, rivers, waterfalls).
When you are surrounded by large amounts of negative ions, the energy field around you, also known as your aura, will naturally respond and become recharged. This is why you tend to feel relaxed and refreshed after visiting the beach or taking a hiking trip.
Positive Ions and You
In industrial areas, and office buildings there tends to be a larger collection of positive ions. This is in part due to the presence of technology, and the lack of naturally charged air. If you operate day to day in these kinds of conditions, depression, and stress are common ailments from this type of environment.
Make sure you get your daily dose of negative ions by using indoor plants, opening a window, or even smudging your space to help relieve depression and ease stress. For more information on how plants help clean our air, check out this article on air purifying house plants.
Scheduling Time To Love
When you introduce an indoor plant to your home or living environment, you become responsible for its life. Much like pets, plants that exist outside of their natural habitat are dependent upon human interaction to live and thrive. The act of caring for your plants can help relieve depression and stress in several ways.
First off, you are giving yourself a sense of purpose. Without you, your house plants would not survive. Those plants absolutely need you. You can offer love to your plants simply by giving them some water.
Secondly, caring for your plants is a meditative experience. By focusing your attention on caring for your plants, you are actively showing love and compassion for another living being. Giving a little time out of your day to love another is a great way to relieve stress and tension. Through doing so, your body will release those feel-good happy hormones, leaving you in a state of bliss.
Choosing The Right Plants For You
When you are finally ready to take on the responsibility of being a plant parent, there are a few factors you need to consider. How much time are you willing to give to your plants, and what kind of living environment can you offer to your new plant babies?
A couple of good easy to care-for starter house plants would be the Pothos and the Snake Plant. These are my two favorite types of houseplants. They don’t need much water or sunlight, and they are very tough.
If you didn’t know, I am a Virgo, and plant love comes as second nature to me. For more advice and tips on choosing your house plants, check out my article on the 10 Best Indoor Plants for Clean Air.
Depression and stress are serious matters. Both can have a negative effect on your health, and your relationships.
Emergency Resources
If you are having thoughts of self-harm and are in need of someone to speak to without fear of judgment, please feel free to reach out to this 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 or texting HOME to 741741. Every life has the opportunity to progress further along the journey as a soul, and this does include you.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. If you are making a medical decision, please consult a medical practitioner or another qualified health provider. The content provided by Resourceful Soul is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.
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