Lush, flamboyant, they do much more than add a decorative touch. They act directly on our mindset. And more for the better.

As winter sets in, and outings into the wilderness become rare, why not rely on plants to decorate the house and especially maintain its physical and moral shape. Yes, the interest of plants is not limited to flattering our eyes.

Virtues validated by science

Much scientific research has shown a beneficial effect on morale and general welfare since the late 1980’s. In 2019, two Taiwanese academics analyzed more than 50 studies on the health benefits of plants. They concluded that it was working to reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions! Other work has shown that working with a plant in your office reduces stress levels, improves attention and concentration. Finally, the work of Virginia I. Lohr, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington and an expert on the subject since 1989, confirms that living in greenery lowers blood pressure and heart rate, reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol, and increases well-being, creativity, and concentration. Better yet, green plants would decrease pain perception.

A mix of relaxation and energy

All of these services that plants provide to us are based on a number of elements. First, by their very nature, they create an atmosphere of serenity. Being surrounded by beautiful things always contributes to our well-being. And greening your house means bringing it shapes, unique colors, that delight you, move you and create a permanent show. With an almost infinite range of plants, available in stores or in nature, you can only find your happiness. While some seek the elegance of the anthurium, the graphics of the palm tree or the cut foliage of the Monstera, others will prefer the purity of an orchid, the tenderness of a Ceropegia woodii to the heart-shaped leaves or the poetry of Pilea Peperomioides to the fluo green roundness… Color, we know, also has an influence on our mind. Chlorophyll tint is considered a source of balance, softness, and renewal, often used in chromotherapy to soothe. And the red and yellow that frequently go hand in hand boost your mood!

A bouquet of good waves

What about the fragrances, the fragrance of the plants? The nervous impulses they provoke, arouse emotions in us that awaken the senses, invite us to travel, revive our memories and play on our mood. We will take care to choose the perfumes (gardenia, jasmine, orange, eucalyptus, basil…) that create in us positive emotions, such as madeleines of Proust.

Hands in the earth and spirit in freedom

Besides the aesthetic and olfactory appeal of plants, pampering, watering, potting, even talking to them, does them almost as much good as us. This manual activity helps disconnect, relativize, recharge and anchor in the present moment. By cultivating its Eden, its indoor jungle, its herbs, we reconnect with nature and its deep self. For some, it is a form of mindfulness meditation that is a source of harmony and energy, a therapy that has become the rage since the health crisis. According to the OpinionWay survey for Lajoiedesleurs.fr and Maplantemonhappiness.fr conducted on May 18 and 19, 2022, for 1 French in 4*, seeing life in green is now a “well-being” option in the same way as sports, reading, friendship. Not to mention that gardening is particularly rewarding when, over the seasons, new leaves appear, small buttons… as so many thanks. We feel proud of the care provided, of the attention given. A big boost for self-esteem that definitely makes you smile.