Bringing nature indoors
Bringing nature indoors Our world’s population is becoming increasingly urban. According to the United Nations, in 2016 an estimated 54.5% of people live in cities. By 2030, 60% of people globally will dwell in an urban area. If you’re a part of this statistic, it’s probable you’re living in an apartment situated in the centre of the concrete jungle.
But there are huge benefits to our collective mental health when we consider mixing nature into our daily lives. Research shows that bringing nature into the home has both physical and mental benefits.
Benefits of bringing nature indoors
Provides cleaner air
One of the most significant and talked about benefits is a plants ability to clear toxins. Plants help remove dangerous compounds and carbon dioxide from the air by trapping them in their own tissues. They break those compounds down and release pure oxygen just like the plants in a forest. An extensive NASA study in 1989 showed that certain plants were effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air.
Lowers risk of illness
Furnishings, upholstery, synthetic building materials, and cleaning products are the culprits of emitting the toxic chemicals listed above (benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, etc). They have been linked to common symptoms such as irritation in the mouth, nose and throat, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, and coughing. Cleaning up the air we breath lowers our exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals.
Boosts mood
Studies show that spending time outdoors and in nature can provide stress relief, encourage physical exercise and even help soothe anxiety. But the reality is we spend 80-90% of our time indoors. Our daily lives are often spent in front of screens and disconnected from peaceful green spaces. If you can’t get out into a green space, bring the green space inside to you to receive the perks.
So, are you ready to spruce up your indoor space with these natural healers? Here are our top 5 easy to care for indoor plants:
- Snake Plant
- Philodendron
- Spider Plant
- Aloe
- Bamboo Palm
