Top 23 Plant Species Ideal for Elevating Mood and Decreasing Stress Levels at Home
Improving Mental Well-being with Houseplants: A Simple and Effective Solution
Indoor houseplants can provide more benefits than just enhancing your home's aesthetic appeal. They have been found to improve mental health and well-being by reducing stress, elevating mood, and promoting relaxation.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Caring for houseplants leads to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, resulting in increased relaxation and decreased anxiety levels. The simple act of tending to a living organism can provide an individual with a sense of purpose and routine[1][3][5].
Improved Mood
Exposure to greenery indoors boosts positive mood, pleasure, and relaxation while reducing negative emotions. Tending to and viewing plants can contribute to increased happiness[2][4].
Companionship and Mindfulness
Caring for plants offers a form of mindfulness, allowing individuals to disconnect from digital distractions and focus on the present moment, providing a calming effect[1][5]. It also fosters a sense of companionship, particularly for those living alone.
Air Quality and Cognitive Benefits
Houseplants improve indoor air quality by reducing toxic substances, which may indirectly support cognitive function and overall well-being[4][5]. Some studies suggest that they can also help lower blood pressure and improve attention and academic performance[5].
Sense of Achievement
Successfully nurturing a plant can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, which is vital for mental health[1][5].
Top 23 Houseplants for Anxiety Relief and Mood Enhancement
The following list includes popular and effective houseplants for reducing anxiety and promoting a positive mood:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Aloe Vera
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Orchids (Orchidaceae)
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
- Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Philodendron
- Calathea
- Dracaena
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
To create a calming and restorative environment, consider incorporating these plants into your living space. With a variety of options available, you can find houseplants that cater to your specific preferences and needs.
Houseplants such as Snake Plant, Lavender, and English Ivy, among many others, can help improve one's lifestyle and mental well-being by offering a sense of companionship, promoting mindfulness, and boosting positive mood while reducing stress and negative emotions. Caring for these indoor plants can provide an individual with a sense of purpose, routine, and even a form of achievement, all of which are crucial for mental health.
