Another stressful day with long to do lists, and stressful commute. Your body is worn out and spirit is exhausted. What you need is a full immersion in nature and let its healing power rejuvenate your spirit.
It is scientifically proven that connecting with nature positively impact psychological and physical wellbeing of users hence, considerably improving their quality of life.
Plants tend to draw us to them and have an uplifting effect on our spirit. Spending time in nature soothes and calms human brain. Biophilia is the connection people have to nature. There is something about plants that draws us to them Plants make you feel good and hasten the healing process.
Plants are therapeutic meaning they improve the psychological, spiritual and physical wellbeing of people by triggering positive emotional responses. They reduce stress and anxiety felt by people on their way to work. Whether it’s a forest, a garden or a potted plant on your desk, benefits of greenery to your psyche cannot be overstated. Plants recharges the spirit in different ways;
1. Aromatherapy
Fragrant leaves and flowers appeal to our sense of smell. These plants aid in aromatherapy. The scents are mood lifting and reduces stress. They lower cortisol levels in the brain making you feel relaxed as well as helping you sleep better.
Lavender- the scented leaves have a calming effect and relieves stress. The essential oils in lavender also relives insomnia and helps you sleep better.
Jasmine- the flowers have a sweet, fruity scent which alleviate stress and help the body unwind.
Blue gum- scented leaves, cut leaves can be put in bathroom, relaxing and refreshing
2. Tactile experience
Touching plants creates a strong connection with nature. It can be just sitting on grass, tending a garden or walking through a dense forest with the leaves brushing against you. This experience is healing as is it is grounding. Hence the phrase, ‘touch the grass’, to mean get in touch with reality.
glossy foliage- Rubber plant, jade plant, Anthurium
Alocasia –large foliage tempting to touch and compare hand size.
Tibouchina urvileana- soft hairy leave inviting one to touch and rub against their skin.
3. Edible plants
Some plants provide us with food that nourishes our bodies, and a healthy gut is a healthy mind. These boost our immune systems as well as putting us in good mood.
Herbs- basil, mint, rosemary
Vegetables- spinach, tomatoes
4. Medicinal plants
Many plants have medicinal value aiding in quick recovery from ailments, as well as healing minds and spirits. Modern pharmaceuticals are often formulated with herbs. Natural herbs work faster as are easier for the body to synthesize and absorb.
Lantana camara, croton megalocarpus -Stops bleeding from open wounds
Aloe Vera- relieve sunburns and help heal wounds.
Neem tree- the leaf exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
5. Positive distraction
With their interesting colours, scents, detailed leaves and varied forms, plants are fascinated and offer a distraction from daily stressors. Ornamental plants offer something to rest your eyes away from the glare from the screens. The soft fascination boosts creativity and offer inspiration.
6. Responsibility- something to care for
Plants require care to stay healthy and thriving. Plants have specific watering needs and light requirements. Being able to keep plants is a test of one’s patience. Plant parenthood, as many have come to call it, not only gives you will to live but also give you something to live for, especially on hard days. Caring for plants restores vitality and promotes conscious living.
Fiddle leaf- dramatic fast growing plant.
Brasil philodendron- a fast growing hanging plant that requires little care, maximum benefits for minimal effort
Echeveria- the many types are a staple among houseplants keepers
7. Cleansing
Plants are often used in meditation and cleansing a space of bad auras and remove spirits. Some plants are also believed to bring good luck and offer protection from evil. They create a relaxing atmosphere for one to connect with self.
Sage – burning sage is a spiritual tool for connecting with the spiritual realm as well as dispelling negative energy.
