Why do we love flowers and plants?
There's so much more to benefit from flowers and plants than there is to give.
If put in our bedroom, plants and flowers provide a good night sleep.
There are two ways in which plants can help you get a good night's sleep: by purifying the air in your bedroom and by giving off a scent that helps you relax. Plants such as snake plants, orchids and aloe vera give out oxygen at night to help you breathe better as well as absorbing toxins from the air.
The amount and quality of sleep we get has a huge impact on our health. There are two ways in which plants can help you get a good night’s sleep: by purifying the air in your bedroom and by giving off a scent that helps you relax.
Plants such as snake plants, orchids and aloe vera give out oxygen at night to help you breathe better as well as absorbing toxins from the air. For a sweet smell to help you sleep, choose jasmine or lavender
Purify the air
Pollution levels are typically higher indoors than outdoors due to the mix of outdoor pollutants with indoor contaminants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are emitted from furnishings, paints and even detergents. Opening windows and ensuring natural ventilation can help improve indoor air quality, but this isn’t always possible or appealing, particularly in winter.
A 1989 NASA study determined that household plants could help remove chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air and reduce “sick building syndrome”, and since then the evidence for the use of houseplants as air purifiers has increased. Some plants are particularly good at removing specific contaminants, for example, English ivy has been shown to reduce airborne mould by up to 78 per cent.
Increase concentration and productivity
Research has shown that people performed better at attention-based tasks when surrounded by plants. One study found that incorporating plants into a workspace could help improve productivity by up to 15 per cent. The theory is that when our attention shifts to the plants on our desk, it provides a micro-break from our computer screens that can help boost our concentration.
Relieve stress and anxiety
Being in nature has been proven to reduce stress levels and rejuvenate your body and mind. It may not be the same as walking through a forest but bringing plants into your home can help you relax at the end of a long day. The power of plants to clean the air also helps improve your overall health, enabling you to better deal with stress.
If you struggle with anxiety, lavender’s scent has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure and improve sleep. It’s commonly found in essential oils and room sprays, but a pot plant is just as good.
Flowers and plants should be, if aren't most women's best friend. They give us a lot more than diamonds can ever provide.