Winter is almost here, and that means shorter days and lessened social interactions. Usually, a lot of people experience feeling low during these months, with a decrease in energy levels and tendency to isolate. This Seasonal Affective Disorder (literally acronymized as ‘SAD’) is probably what makes these colder months feel so gloomy. Along with your mental health not being at its prime, your physical health also at times might not fare so well with the dense blanket of pollution that the festive season leaves in its wake. And if you are in Delhi NCR, you already know about the worsening air quality situation. It has been marked critical by everyone from the Supreme Court and Government to environmentalists. Don’t worry, this article isn’t just a reminder of the struggle ahead of all of us, we have a solution as well: plants.
“We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.” – Jenny Uglow
Getting indoor plants is one of the best things you can do for you and your family’s health. They purify the air, reduce your stress, and even give you a sense of purpose when you care for them. And the best part is that you don’t need to have a green thumb to keep them alive because of how low maintenance they are. If you’re ready to bring home some new leafy friends, here is a list of 7 indoor plants that will improve your health and literally liven up your surroundings.
1. Snake Plant
‘Snake’ might be used to describe an untrustworthy person, but a Snake Plant is the complete opposite. This indoor plant purifies the air, absorbing toxins and converting carbon dioxide, giving out copious amounts of oxygen to benefit your physical and mental health both. What’s better is that it does this even at night, ensuring that you have the best sleep every night. According to NASA, they work best for smaller or medium sized areas, making this a perfect addition to your home décor.
2. Peace Lily
The word ‘peace’ is woven right into this houseplant’s name, so you really cannot go wrong here. Peace Lily plant is another one of the top choices for its air purifying qualities as it absorbs toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide, even at night. This indoor plant also produces non-allergenic flowers that add to your home’s decor. Promoting focus and reducing stress is another benefit that they provide. Peace Lily plants also regulate the humidity levels, counteracting the dryness that tends to follow the winter season.
3. Pothos
Pothos plants’ heart-shaped leaves are just their way of telling you they love you. They also purify the air quality and they are also safe for your pets to be around. Research has also found that you can find your stress levels reducing if you just look at them. This plant helps ease eye irritation that is caused by looking at a screen for so long. They are one of the easiest plants to grow since they require indirect sunlight, and need water once in two weeks in winters.
4. Philodendron
Philodendrons give that lush, green look to your surroundings, making them a great ornamental plant. On top of having air-purifying qualities, their waxy leaves also can trap dust particles. They are also extremely low maintenance and adaptable, since they grow anywhere you place them. This indoor plant is also known to have a calming effect. Philodendron can also grow solely in a container with water, completely foregoing the need for soil.
5. Spider Plant
You might not love the eight-legged crawlies, but would love their namesake plant once you get to know its benefits. We can add this one to the list of indoor plants that purify the air quality, and help the humidity levels. If you have been finding it hard to keep your plants alive, these houseplants are nearly impossible to kill. They have also proven to have healing properties, promoting a faster recovery when placed in patients’ rooms who have just had a surgery. Along with helping you, Spider plants are also a friend to your pets.
6. Succulents
Succulents, like Cacti or Jade plants, are the survivors of the plant world, and need bare minimum from their plant parents. Their visuals help keep you calm and are also proven to increase your focus. They also increase the oxygen levels in your surrounding, along with humidity that can keep sore throats and common colds at bay. So, placing them at your desk would be a great idea.
7. Ferns
Ferns rank the highest in NASA’s research on plants that help keep the air clean. They add great aesthetic value to any space, whether they are kept on the ground, or as hangings. The leaves of this houseplant are also known to treat several ailments like asthma, sore throat, cold, rheumatism and more. They also regulate humidity and have a long lifespan if they are cared for the right way.
Nature, whether it is outside our house or inside, has immense healing benefits. So, take your pick of these indoor plants and start improving your health as well as add a lively element to your homes.
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