Bringing the outdoors in can improve your health

Indoor plants aren’t just easy on the eye, they can interact with your mind, body and home in ways that enhance your quality of life.

You only need to search #plantgang or #houseplantclub on Instagram to get an eyeful of gloriously green living spaces, kitted-out by green-thumbed fanatics with everything from succulents to lush ferns and tropical shrubs.

Turning your home into a peacefully green retreat from the outside world makes sense in a time where life is full of stressors and interior decorating can be expensive. They look great, and they can often be bought on a budget. But dig beneath the surface and you’ll find that the benefits of greening your interior go far beyond what meets the eye: research is proving there are real benefits to be had for your mental and physical wellbeing too.

We look at two key ways adding some green to your life can be good for you too…

While our connection to nature is deep-rooted, modern living has seen us spending less and less time in it. It’s widely recognised that we’re spending up to 90 per cent of their time indoors, meaning more regular exposure to airborne pollutants commonly found in our homes and offices.

The good news is that by bringing certain types of plants into your space, you’re employing a natural air purifier, and in some cases even increasing your oxygen levels. And there’s science to back it up, too.

One NASA experiment found that indoor plants can scrub the air of nasty compounds like formaldehyde and benzene. Later research found that microorganisms in soil can also play a part in cleaning your air.

Another 2015 study found that particular types of indoor plants can remove up to 75 per cent of airborne pollutants.

Some plants like orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads actually suck up carbon dioxide and release oxygen, so place these plants near where you sleep to refresh the air during the night.

• Spider plant
• Devil’s Ivy
• Weeping Fig
• Peace Lily
• Snake Plant/Mother-In-Law’s Tongue

Most of us know instinctively that being close to greenery makes us feel instantly more at ease with our surroundings. And research shows that filling your space with green friends actually can help improve your mood, concentration, productivity and feelings of positivity.

The Japanese practise of Shinrin-Yoku(nature therapy) has proven that the simple act of surrounding yourself by nature can be beneficial for health by lowering blood pressure and boosting mental health through lowered cortisol levels. But bringing some green into your living space has also proven to have its benefits to wellbeing.

A comprehensive RMIT review of hundreds of articles on the connection between health and plant ownership found that in an average 4 x 5 metre space, adding just five plants of various sizes and shapes gives a boost in mental wellbeing of up to 60 per cent (and 75 per cent cleaner air).

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.