How Plants Can Boost Your Mood this Winter

Ah, winter blues. The holidays have died down, the days are still short, and the intense January cold is starting to settle in. It can be hard to feel good in the peak of winter, especially when lush, warm spring feels so far away, but houseplants might be your fix to that. 

It’s all connected

While it might be hard to see how a plant who doesn’t need to work, pay the bills, or drive kids to school is the same as you, plants and humans actually have a significant connection. “Humans have an inherent connection to plants and other living things, according to what’s known as the biophilia hypothesis, an idea popularized in 1984 by naturalist and writer E.O. Wilson. Since then, more than three decades of research spanning the globe have confirmed the hypothesis and shown that natural environments have a sizable effect on increasing positive emotions and decreasing negative ones” (Washington Post, 2022, para.4). That means that the more your home incorporates natural elements, like sunlight, organic materials, and plants, the more it can boost your mood. Feeling more connected to our environment can put us at ease, leading to more mindful, happier living. 

Stress begone

But in what ways? Foremost, plants can bring relief from winter symptoms by transforming your space into a green retreat. While it might be dark, cold, and barren outside, your home could be sprawling with big leaves and forest vibes. Tending to your indoor garden is said to relax the response system in our bodies that is triggered by stress. “Plants don’t need to be in the garden for us to experience benefits. A study has concluded that having indoor plants can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure” (Thrive, n.d., para.6). Deep breath. Touch a leaf. Let your plant carry all your stress for you. It will make you feel better. 

The real deal

It’s not just about the visual cues of greenery. Real plants have a positive power over our mental health that fake plants cannot replicate. “[R]eal plants have a greater mood, attention and relaxation effect than faux plants. The same applies for real vs. faux flowers. In a study of high school students, participants looking at real pansies for three minutes felt more relaxed and comfortable than those looking at artificial ones” (Washington Post, 2022, para.16). While plants make your space look pretty, there are also health benefits that real plants offer like oxygen production, air filtration, toxin absorption, and more. 

You don’t need a million plants to feel the effect. Adding simple, easy plants to your cubicle, home office, living spaces, or bedrooms is enough to give you a little boost through the winter. The most important thing is curating a space that works for you and that brings you joy. Pick up your plant buddy today and weather the winter together. 

Sources: 

Das, L.T. (2022, June 7). What science tells us about the mood-boosting effects of indoor plants. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/06/06/how-houseplants-can-boost-your-mood/

Plants to help ease the mind. Thrive. (n.d.). https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-gardening/plants-to-help-ease-the-mind