We often think of plants as part of the outdoors. Something beyond us, only found beyond the walls of our homes. Confined to distant parks and gardens, a world away from the sterile environments of our desk jobs and concrete jungles. What if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way? What if I told you that by being so far removed from plants, we’re actually doing a disservice to our own health? What if I told you that something as simple as bringing plants indoors, into our homes and offices, can transform any space, creating an environment that has been scientifically proven to release anxiety, reduce tension, and boost productivity?

Now, if you’re not interested in reading more about the research behind why you should add more plants to your home, then here is a summarized bullet list of the benefits having plants in our space bring us:

✅ Clean Air: Plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels.
✅ Focus & Productivity: Studies show that being around plants can reduce stress and improve concentration.
✅ Creativity Boost: Bringing nature indoors can spark inspiration and enhance your creative thinking.
✅ Mood Lifter: Green spaces have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve overall mood.
✅ Better Sleep: Some plants release oxygen at night, promoting better sleep quality.

Now, for those of you do in fact want to delve deeper into understanding exactly how plants affect our brain chemistry and physical health, then let’s dive in…

✅ Clean Air: Plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels.

Plants act as natural air purifiers, effectively removing harmful toxins and increasing oxygen levels. This remarkable ability stems from the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen as a byproduct. However, their air-purifying capabilities extend beyond this basic exchange.  

A landmark NASA study demonstrated that certain plants can effectively absorb and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. VOCs are harmful chemicals found in everyday products such as paints, carpets, furniture, and cleaning supplies. These compounds can contribute to indoor air pollution and have adverse health effects. By absorbing these toxins through their leaves and roots, plants significantly improve the quality of the air we breathe indoors.  

✅ Focus & Productivity: Studies show that being around plants can reduce stress and improve concentration.

Turns out, plants aren’t just pretty—they’re basically nature’s therapists. Studies have repeatedly shown that just being around greenery can lower stress and sharpen focus. Take this study from the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, for example—it found that simple interactions with plants, like repotting or even just watering them, can dial down cortisol levels and even lower blood pressure. In other words, plants don’t just sit there looking nice; they actively help us chill out.

And it’s not just about relaxation—plants give our brains a boost too. A study from the University of Michigan found that students in plant-filled classrooms had better attention spans and felt less mentally drained. The takeaway? Whether you’re in a classroom, an office, or just trying to stay focused at home, adding some leafy coworkers to the mix can help cut distractions, boost productivity, and make the whole environment feel a little more zen. Science says so.

✅ Creativity Boost: Bringing nature indoors can spark inspiration and enhance your creative thinking.

Now, for some of us, it’s intuitive that nature sparks creativity. You know, that feeling when you’re hiking and suddenly a brilliant idea just blooms in your mind? Or when you’re gardening and suddenly you’re brainstorming solutions to problems you didn’t even realize you had? Well, there’s some science behind this, although, nearly all has been based off observational studies.

These studies, such as this one published by the National Chin-Yi University of Technology found that people chill out more when they’re around plants, and their brains get a little boost – think sharper focus and better concentration. And get this – they even talked about how much money companies lose because of “sick building syndrome,” which is basically when people get all stuffy and unproductive in their offices. Yet, as everything that’s been mentioned so far: a few plants can help that.

✅ Mood Lifter: Green spaces have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve overall mood.

You know that feeling when you step outside, take a deep breath, and suddenly life feels a little less chaotic? That’s not just in your head—well, actually, it is, but in a very scientific way. Trees, plants, and wide-open green spaces work some serious magic on our brains, dialing down cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) and cranking up serotonin and dopamine—the same feel-good chemicals that make chocolate and great music so enjoyable. Plus, just being in nature means more fresh air, sunlight, and movement, all of which help boost endorphins, nature’s built-in mood enhancers. Whether you’re strolling through a park, lounging under a tree, or just admiring a particularly photogenic houseplant, you’re basically giving your brain a mini spa day. So, next time life feels overwhelming, go touch some grass—literally.

✅ Better Sleep: Some plants release oxygen at night, promoting better sleep quality.

Lastly, if you suffer with getting a goodnights rest, then you’ll be happy to know that some plants actually pull an all-nighter to help you sleep better. Unlike most plants that take a break from releasing oxygen after the sun goes down, rockstars like aloe vera, snake plants, and peace lilies keep the fresh air flowing while you snooze. That means cleaner air, less stuffiness, and a better chance at uninterrupted sleep. And if that wasn’t enough, certain plants—like lavender and jasmine—bring a little extra magic with their soothing scents, proven to lower stress and help you unwind. So, if counting sheep isn’t cutting it, maybe it’s time to bring in a few leafy night-shift workers to level up your sleep game.

Photos: Generated by Midjourney AI