5 Reasons You Need More Houseplants, According To Science

    Mother Nature did not have to go this hard. But she did.

    Tom Vellner
    by Tom Vellner

    BuzzFeed Staff

    So, here's something: People spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. That is...a lot.

    Luckily, if you have a few plants hangin' out in your home or office, you're still reaping some of Mother Nature's benefits, which are important as heck, y'all. Sure, you have to water them, rotate them, and repot them from time to time, but your houseplants are actually taking care of you too — both mentally and physically. Here are just handful of ways they have a positive effect on you:

    1. They boost your mood.

    Tom Vellner / BuzzFeed

    And not just because they're pretty to look at! They actually have physiological and psychological effects on your body. Studies show that indoor plants can reduce your stress by suppressing the sympathetic nervous system and lowering blood pressure. They can also provide stability and comfort by stimulating your senses and promoting the pleasant feelings linked to a natural environment. Not to mention, when you feel their soil, you're giving your brain a boost of serotonin.

    Don't go too wild with your indoor jungle though — research also indicates that seeing one or two plants when you look off in any direction is plenty for your mood. More than that can actually be too much and increase stress. I know, I know, it's a thin line.

    2. They clean your air.

    @leafandlolo / Via instagram.com

    Some plants literally let you ~breathe easy~ by increasing the amount of oxygen in the air through photosynthesis, as well as purifying the air by removing toxins like benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. They trap those toxic compounds, which can come from clothing, furniture, and fuels, in their tissue and release them as harmless byproducts. That's pretty noble of them, considering indoor air pollution can increase your risk for health issues like stroke and ischemic heart disease.

    3. They help you sleep.

    @wildrepose / Via instagram.com

    While most plants produce oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, others do so at night through a lil' thing called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). At the risk of boring you to sleep at this very moment, CAM basically means the pores in their leaves open at night to exchange gas, instead of during the day. So, when placed in your bedroom, CAM plants will increase the oxygen level, which improves the air quality and helps you get a better night's sleep by potentially reducing sleep apnea and snoring. Snake plants, pineapple plants, and succulents make great bedroom companions.

    4. They sharpen your focus.

    @sustainablysage / Via instagram.com

    If you haven't already, you might want to add a few plants to your workspace, because they're said to enhance your creativity, memory, and overall productivity. Amazing? Yes. Surprising? Not exactly, when you think about how nice it is for your brain to take a break from your screen and enjoy some green leaves.

    In fact, research shows that employees are 15% more productive in workplaces filled with houseplants, and do significantly better on memory retention and other basic tests when surrounded by greenery. I'm not not saying a houseplant will make you employee of the month.

    5. They keep you healthy.

    @aljaskrt / Via instagram.com

    Thanks to their microclimate that releases moisture, indoor plants not only boost the humidity in your home ever so slightly, but they also reduce 20% of the dust that builds up in there too. This is great news for you and your immune system, because dry air and dust can infect and irritate your airway. With some trusty houseplants around, your chances of developing pesky cold symptoms like a cough, runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, and fatigue are much lower. Thanks, plants!

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