this post is sponsored by Plant Package – all opinions are my own
This week was an aggressive reminder of how big of an impact not being in nature or feeling the sunshine has on my mental health. For the past three weeks, it’s been a chilly, grey, rainy New England spring. I’ve been cooped up inside with low energy and I was going stir crazy.
As soon as the sun came out, I felt like a different person, well I should say I felt like myself again. Spending the afternoon in the sun brought me back to life. I laughed as I saw a meme that said: “Drink water, get sunshine, basically you’re a houseplant with more complicated emotions. Yes, this is true.
The more I dive into wellness the more I find myself attracted to the simple things that always work. These are the self-care tools that are accessible and elemental.
One of those tools for wellness and self-care are plants. Over the past couple of years, I’ve seen a huge boom in the popularity of plants, especially house plants. I LOVE it. It’s a “trend” that I don’t think will go anywhere. Plants have been around forever, so it’s not really a trend per se, I’m just loving that so many coffee shops, stores, restaurants are all decorated with plants. I feel a sense of comfort in a space with plants.
4 Reasons Why Plants are Great for Our Health and Happiness
1. Reduce Anxiety
In my personal experience, I find plants and flowers so calming. They help space feel grounded and alive. I’m not alone either. According to this study, http://plantsolutions.com/documents/FloweringFoliage.pdf patients recovering in a hospital had a more positive recovery experience when they were exposed to rooms with plants.
2. Clean Air & Healthy Home
Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and add new fresh oxygen. Different plants can also help purify the air and add to your home’s healthy microbiome adding good bacteria to your home. Listen to this episode of the Chasing Joy Podcast to learn more about the microbiome in your home.
3. Gardening gives you “outdorphins”
This was something that came up in a recent conversation with Mat Franken. There’s new research out that getting your hands dirty has positive health implications because the microbes in the soil are positive for our home and body’s microbiomes (aka the world of bacteria that keep us well). This is also why I’m convinced that my grandfather a gardener and hydrangea expert will I’ve forever.
4. Care Giving
If you’re not quite ready for a baby or pet, plants are a great first caretaking commitment. I’ve personally found joy and purpose in watching my plants bloom and grow over the years. I also have a regular Skype date with my dad over in England. Two years ago I gave him some small succulents and we’ve delighted and bonded in their continued growth. We get overjoyed when he finds a new “nub” on the cactus Hector or when Flowering Bob has a new flower. I’ve learned so many good metaphors and life lessons from taking care of our plants.
Get started on Your Plant Journey
For all those reasons and so many more, I’m thrilled to share a new brand that is bringing the joy of gardening and plants to the people. Each month Plant Package curates a seasonal offering and provides plants, soil, plant food, a decorative container and instructions to help your new plant thrive.
I had so much fun getting my hands dirty and putting together my beautiful planter. This also makes an amazing gift for a plant lover or an aspiring plant lover.
Get Your First Box:
https://www.plantpackage.com/
