In the United States, approximately 6% of the population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In addition, 14% of the population suffers from a milder form of SAD called the winter blues.
Change the décor of your home if you’re part of either of these groups and need help boosting your mood during the winter months. You can experience many mental health benefits when you add plants to your home. Discover how houseplants can help you cope with SAD by reading on. Additionally, you’ll learn about nine winter houseplants that can boost your mood.
Houseplants Are Beneficial for Seasonal Affective Disorder
The idea that houseplants can help lift your spirits and combat depression might seem ridiculous at first. However, there’s a lot of compelling evidence demonstrating that houseplants can help people in need.
Here are some specific benefits of houseplants for Seasonal Affective Disorder:
Reducing Stress
A “forest bath” or simply surrounding yourself with houseplants can help you relax by exposing you to nature. How does plant exposure help minimize stress levels? First, it has been shown to lower blood pressure. Spending time in or around nature can also help lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Clean Air
The purifying abilities of many houseplants have been well documented. Feeling depressed, tired, and sluggish when the air is dirty and contaminated. When you clean up the air in your home, you’ll likely feel happier and more energized.
Enhanced Concentration and Productivity
During the winter months, a few well-placed houseplants can make a big difference in your productivity. Part of the reason houseplants enhance concentration and productivity is that they purify the air in your home. Also, they tend to make people feel calmer, more focused, and more present.
Top Winter Houseplants for Fighting the Blues
Greenery of any kind can improve your mood. Here are nine houseplants that are excellent choices.
Rosary Vine
Ceropegia Woodii (also known as Rosemary Vine) is an indoor plant with trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Rosary vines are more than pretty flowers. Additionally, it works hard to purify your air. Besides its ability to handle cool temperatures, Rosary Vine also grows well in cold climates. As long as your house doesn’t get colder than 45 degrees, you should be able to keep it alive.
Peppermint
Peppermint plants are packed with mental health benefits due to their fresh aroma. You can use this plant to improve your mood, memory, focus, and productivity. Peppermint plants not only smell good, but also taste great. Peppermint can be added to your favorite winter drink to give it a seasonal kick.
A peppermint plant can also be grown indoors and kept alive easily. Maintaining the soil shouldn’t be a problem as long as you keep it moist.
Eucalyptus
You can also get a mental boost from eucalyptus plants during the dull winter months. Eucalyptus scents are energizing and can provide a nice pick-me-up when you’re feeling tired or rundown. In times of stress, anxiety, or depression, it can also help you feel more relaxed, focused, and at ease. Do you have a cold or another winter illness? You can use eucalyptus to relieve sinus congestion.
Snake Plant
Snake plants can significantly reduce the level of toxic gases in the air. In addition to being a useful purifying plant, it is also a beautiful addition to your home. Snake plants are especially helpful if you suffer from headaches or respiratory problems. If you have one (or more) in your home, you’ll breathe easier and feel more alert. Snake plants may also help you sleep better at night. You can ward off depression and stabilize your mood by getting better sleep.
Alocasia Polly
Alocasia Polly is a beautiful plant that can enhance any room in your house. It requires a little more care than other houseplants, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Being able to complete a task on a regular basis can give you a sense of purpose if you’re suffering from winter depression. In order to grow, Alocasia Polly needs bright but indirect light and temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. Remember to mist it regularly and don’t place it on your windowsill. Thus, it is prevented from drying out and succumbing to the lack of humidity in the winter air.
Chinese Evergreen
Don’t worry if you are not up to the challenge of caring for the Alocasia Polly. Many other plants are durable and virtually impossible to kill. The Chinese Evergreen plant is one such plant. Chinese Evergreen is perfect for new and/or busy plant owners. Throughout the winter, the trees stay bright and green, making you feel happier, calmer, and more alert.
The Chinese Evergreen grows well in low light and doesn’t require much water. In essence, you would have to work really hard to kill it.
Cactus
Cactuses are another plant that can be kept alive easily. They might not seem attractive at first glance. Cacti come in thousands of different varieties, so keep that in mind. Finding one that matches your specific tastes is easy.
Water and care are not important to cacti. You just need to keep them on your windowsill so they can get some sunlight.
English Ivy
Ivy is a flowering plant that can purify the air and help reduce allergy symptoms and asthma symptoms. Airborne mold can wreak havoc on your mood and mental well-being, so this plant is especially helpful. In addition, many people find that English Ivy helps them sleep better.
Aloe Vera
As a final air-purifying choice, you might want to consider Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is one of the most effective air purifiers, and many people find their feelings of depression and anxiety subside when they have one in their house.
Water and care are minimal requirements for the Aloe Vera plant. Due to its resilience, it was even called “plant of immortality” by the ancient Egyptians.