Plants: they’re everywhere and are used in a variety of different ways. Plants are used in different cuisines and food dishes across the planet, building materials, recycling, fuel production and in the medical field. Most importantly, plants help with mental health and stress reduction.
The world could use more plants right now. Between coronavirus, political unrest and climate change, there is always a need for stress relief. Watching the news and witnessing all of the negativity in the world has the potential to shape one’s perception about the reality of world events.
This effect is known as the cultivation theory. This theory states that the more that people watch television, the more they are influenced by the images and media that they are shown which is predominantly negative. Investing in a few plants can completely change the way someone may see the world.
Plants have been proven to have multiple health benefits. Decorating your apartment, dorm or car with different types of plants, real or fake, has been proven to positively affect one's well-being. This would include someone’s mental and physical health.
According to Mayo Clinic, high-stress levels can lead to muscle tension, pain, restlessness, chest pain, lack of motivation and focus, drug or alcohol misuse, fatigue and many other serious conditions. Managing and handling stress levels is extremely important, and plants can help alleviate these levels. Even picking up a new hobby you enjoy, such as gardening, can significantly help with well-being and overall health.
Certain plants like orchids, chrysanthemums and morning glories can help promote feelings of happiness and positivity and squash any negativity by cleansing the air with natural oxygen.
A Forbes magazine article, published in 2018, took a deep dive into understanding how plants, specifically indoor ones, can affect human wellness.
Plants can also increase indoor air quality allowing for the breathing of healthier and safer air. This is because of the process of photosynthesis which allows plants to recycle carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen that can be inhaled by humans.
Surprisingly, plants can also help stimulate cognitive behaviors that allow for better concentration, problem-solving and memory retention.
Plants can also stimulate healing in individuals who are suffering from an injury from ‘’being in close proximity to them’’. They can help one feel calm and collected which can increase the rate of a smoother recovery from an illness or injury.
Taking into account all of this newfound research about the benefits of having many indoor and outdoor plants, one should consider their next purchase to be some sort of mighty-green machine.
Tre Spencer is a freshman studying photojournalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Tre know by tweeting him @trerspencer1.
