With the holiday season approaching, one will undoubtedly experience an increase in stress. There is good news, though. Something as simple as an indoor plant reduce this stress.
Research has proven that simply being able to look at greenery will bring down stress levels… so really you can have them year round.
So, if you know a stressed out friend or are simply feeling the pressures of life yourself, buy them or yourself a beautiful indoor plant – like these!
It will surely help you. Read on to learn more how indoor plants reduce stress for optimum health and well-being.
Indoor Plants can Bust Workplace Tension with a Green Stocking Stuffer!
Two-thirds of full-time workers across the nation say they experience stress in the workplace around the holidays.
This according to a recent random sampling of 600 full-time workers at Accenture HR Services. Almost a quarter of the workers surveyed expressed that they have taken at least one day off in the past because of holiday stress.
Why All this Stress During the Holidays?
There are gifts to buy (houseplants are a gift option) and time is running out. Your kids need extra time and care because they’re out of school.
Then there are the holiday parties you’re obligated to attend but still need to do your grocery shopping.
You planned to take a day off from work but several of your colleagues beat you to the punch – they already scheduled vacations or had a sick leave with the holiday shopping flu.
As for the major causes of holiday stress, 54 percent cited finding the time to shop for gifts, while 41 percent mentioned keeping up with day-to-day responsibilities.
It’s no wonder then that the holiday season – with its merry “To Do” list – can lead us to a state of “extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain;” The American Heritage Dictionary’s apt definition of “stress.”
Boost the workplace greenery and reduce workplace stress levels this upcoming season—who knows, you may even put the “Happy” back in your “Holidays.”
“Greening” as a Stress Buster
An indoor area can maintain its coolness even without air conditioner for as long as you have indoor plants especially those of the air-purifying type. The ambiance and air quality is better compared to a room without plants.
So if you want that refreshing vibe and a sense of well-being inside your home or office, consider taking care of houseplants or office plants.
If you’re a beginner, you can grow low-maintenance plants such as the snake plant, aloe vera, spider plant, golden pothos, succulents and more.
Some flowering plants may require extra care but it’s possible if you provide a well-drained soil, regularly check the leaves for pest damage, and placing them in a spot where they can get the amount of light they require.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide emitted as we exhale. In return, they provide oxygen for humans and animals to breathe in.
These air coming from plants are healthier and safer than air coming from air-conditioning systems. These houseplants also clean the air by reducing indoor air pollution.
Having plants inside does not just affect the indoor climate. Researchers have discovered that “seeing” greenery can result in a demonstrable reduction in stress within five minutes.
Why not add a watermelon peperomia, one of the varieties of birdnest snake plants or the reliable, sturdy jade plant to your desk and workspace.
Research in the Netherlands has shown that people who spend more than four hours a day working at a computer monitor feel better and are more productive with plants in the workplace!
So this Holiday season keep a plant at your desk, and maybe buy one for the Scrooge down the hall. Not only you can enjoy its great health benefits, but you also contribute for a safer and cleaner environment.
Also To Reduce Stress Try the Following:
- Limit intake of caffeine, sugar and alcohol (stressors)
- Stay close to your live green plants. They reduce systolic blood pressure within five seconds of exposure.
- Increase your nutritional supplements.
- Do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. A brisk walk out doors, workouts, swimming, yoga stretching, dancing, sports, Tai Chi etc.
- Take up gardening to reduce stress Doctor’s Orders!
- Take several 5 minute centered breathing breaks a day. Try relaxation visualizations to soft music.
- Scheduled pamper time. Massages, a facial, or hot bath.
- Get extra sleep and take naps whenever possible.