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House Plants & Mental Health

Heather Rafanello, MSW, LCSW

@GrowingMindsetTherapy

History of Growing Mindset Therapy

Our founder, Heather Rafanello received her first houseplant, a snake plant, from her friends as a housewarming gift. Little did she know that this simple gesture would have such an impact on her. After the snake plant, she found a local plant shop (Tiny Greenhouse in Brick, NJ) and fell in love. She shared “Everytime I walk into the shop, I feel an instant sense of peace. The stillness, the fresh air, the aesthetic of the plants just soothes me to my core,” she shared “but it’s deeper than that. There is also a sense of calm that I feel when watering, or repotting my plants at home, too.”

Heather purchased her second houseplant, a pothos that ultimately became the inspiration for our Growing Mindset Therapy logo. Now, several houseplants later we’re sitting down to research if there are any truths behind Heather’s observation that being around houseplants, and caring for them can improve mental health.

Houseplants and Stress Reduction

One research study found that indoor plants can reduce both physiological stress and psychological stress, AND even simply looking at pictures of plants had a positive effect on stress levels.

Houseplants and Attention, Concentration & Productivity

Another research study used brain scans to study the attention and concentration of elementary aged children when around plants. Students were placed in classrooms with either fake plans, real plants, photos of plants, or no plants at all, and the brain scans showed that the only the students who were in the real plant classroom experienced improved attention and concentration. Additional research found that exposure to plants helped college students work 12% faster, and another study showed employees were 15% more productive after plants being placed in their workspaces.

Houseplants and Healing

In addition to the mental health benefits mentioned above, additional research has shown that plants may play a role in helping patients heal from illness and injury. Patients who were exposed to plants, or trees reported feeling calmer, had a reduced need for pain medication, and had shower hospital stays compared to those without this exposure.

Horticulture therapy is a form of mental health healing, where plants are used to help people with various mental-health conditions, and even people recovering from a stroke. How? We’re glad you asked! Taking care of plants requires patience, and mirrors some of the healing work that people are doing for themselves. Plants require care via sunlight, watering, repotting, etc., and caring for another living thing can help remind people to slow down themselves, and that we too need a little TLC.

Houseplants and Happiness

People who simply spent 5-10 minutes in a room with houseplants reported feeling happier than those who spent time in a plant-free room. There is a positive correlation between the duration of time that people are exposed to plants, and their positive emotions; researchers specifically noting that purpose and green plants reduced negative feelings. Other benefits of spending time around houseplants includes increased self-esteem, and greater life satisfaction.

If the research isn’t compelling enough, try it out for yourself (we dare you!). If nothing else, they’re aesthetically pleasing, and they naturally help to freshen the quality of your air.

*Choose indoor plant varieties that are safe for pets and children

Sources:

DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended to treat, or diagnose and medical conditions, nor is it a replacement for mental health or medical treatment. If you or someone you know is in need of clinical support, our team is able to provide therapy services to those in NJ and FL. Contact us to learn more. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support please contact emergency services. U.S. Mental health crisis line: dial 988 ; medical emergency dial 911.

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