Keep it Green
Whether you’re at home or back in the office, remember to keep it green. With Spring underway, now is the perfect time to get outdoors and bring the outside in. It’s surprising, but this simple change might be exactly what you need to make your work environment more upbeat and cheerful.
In addition to brightening and adding color to your space, plants bring several proven benefits to our health and well-being. According to this article, indoor plants can help reduce stress, a powerful perk for the times we’re living in. Happy and aesthetically appealing plants not only have that awe-factor, but they also serve as a positive distraction from our fast-paced workdays. I love to check up and admire my plant friends throughout the day, and I always feel more relaxed after I do. And I can personally say that keeping a few plants around where I work has been a fantastic mood booster.
The University of Rochester also examined studies which found that keeping live natural elements around can boost your energy levels. I’m sure most of us have experienced that lethargic lull towards the end of the workday. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, this would be a prime opportunity to visit your plants and get a healthy energy lift.
Even more impressive, maintaining a connection with nature can bolster your immune system, which is an especially important benefit right now. A study from the University of Illinois found that spending time around nature can even offer protection against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, ADHD, depression, and more.
One of the joys about houseplants is shopping for the perfect one for you. There are plenty of wonderful options to choose from, big, small, exotic, or something easy to take care of. I would encourage you to go to your local nursery and look for some new plant friends. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice from the nursery workers. I have found that they always have great tips to share and can help point me in the right direction when I want a new plant but am not quite sure which type I want.
If you’re the kind of person that kills any plant you touch, that’s ok, you don’t have to have a bunch of plants around to get the same benefits. I would suggest taking one or two daily walks outside during your breaks to get your fill of nature. Going for a casual stroll almost always helps me clear my mind so that I can mentally reset and return to my work with fresh energy.
So when you set out to do your Spring cleaning this year, consider adding some natural greenery to liven up your workspace and see if you notice any changes. In the words of archivist Terri Guillemets, “Plants give us oxygen for the lungs and for the soul.” And peace for the soul, too.
