Have a Plant as Self-Reminders!
Though I haven’t become the mom to countless plants yet, I’m well on my way.
In the beginning, I adorned a small corner of my house with tiny leafy plants and a few succulents solely for the purpose of accessorizing and brightening it up.
Eventually, after spending a great deal of time nurturing my plants on a daily basis, I began to realize they’re more than just a way to decorate my house.
It was my responsibility to protect them just as I would protect myself. Plants, like any other living thing, require a certain amount of care in order to thrive. I noticed that the brown, shriveled ends of my plants’ leaves appeared when I wasn’t at my best, and vice versa.
Psychological Benefits of Plants
Having plants around your house isn’t just an appealing aesthetic. Studies show that being surrounded by plants can help you breathe cleaner air, promote happiness, and help you live longer.
As soon as I learned there is a correlation between plants and self-care, I started researching plants I have currently in my home (and plan to add more to it). It turns out my gains aren’t just random. We can learn from plants about our lives in multiple ways and acclimatize to difficult times with them.
But not all plants bring joy, especially those that require a lot of maintenance. Others also speak more to us when we are going through a hard time. A list of plants was compiled and their personalities looked into. Based on the benefits they offer, as well as what type of effort and attention you are willing to commit, determine which ones are calling to you.
For a reminder to break toxic ties, try aloe vera
The benefits of aloe vera make it one of my favorite house plants for its ease of maintenance and benefits. Aloe vera may be an excellent choice for you if you give a lot of yourself to others (emotionally, monetarily, or physically).
As well as treating and improving skin wounds (burns, cuts, scars, and inflammation) by cutting off the leaves, aloe vera is also a powerful plant that can purify the air you breathe. Although it’s not the same as an air filter, it can assist in detoxifying your air of harmful chemicals.
If there is any dead material that is no longer contributing to the plant’s growth, you may have to trim it out during the repotting process. It can also serve as a reminder of your own growth: as you approach different life stages, you have to let go of who or what is holding you back.
It might be necessary to replant yourself as you continue to learn about yourself and experience new things in life. You should make choices that are conducive to your continued personal development.
Caring for aloe vera:
Where to put it? It is best to place this power plant in a place where most household chemicals are found, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Considering aloe vera can grow to be a very large plant, it’s common to need to replant it in a bigger pot so that it can continue to grow to its fullest capacity.
How to care for it? A weekly watering and some sun are all it takes for this low-maintenance plant to thrive. There isn’t much light? When placed on a window sill, it can still work its magic under indirect sunlight.
For a reminder to relax and stay calm, try lavender
The plant has a very pleasing appearance, a pleasant scent, and produces one of the most popular essential oils. Those who forget to relax or take a few minutes for themselves every now and then will find lavender (and its potent smell) extremely helpful.
Even though it isn’t considered a traditional houseplant, lavender comes with a number of benefits that will make just about everyone want to keep it around. In addition to calming the mind, the smell of florals has an effect on reducing anxiety. In addition to its antiseptic properties, it’s also good for your beauty routine due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Close your eyes and take in some deep breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed or want a good night’s sleep. By inhaling the relaxing scent, you’ll feel calmer. Moving your lavender outside during the spring months can help the plant soak up some fresh sunlight.
If you have time, you may want to take some time outside to get some vitamin D as well. You should always dilute lavender oil before applying it directly to your skin. Research suggests that it disrupts hormones.
Caring for lavender:
Where to put it? Make your lavender plant the last thing you see before you drift off to sleep by placing it on a nightstand in your bedroom.
How to care for it? Plants should be kept in a bright, dry place and watered as soon as the soil is dry to the touch. The life of a plant can be shortened if it is overwatered.
For a reminder to maintain a work-life balance, try peace lilies
Peace lilies are an additional natural purifier you should try. This beautiful plant helps to balance the flow of energy in our homes by neutralizing harmful indoor chemicals. People believe it can also enhance their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
The delicate appearance and deep roots of peace lilies, appearing as they do, can be equated with the strength, resilience and deep roots of people born under the Cancer zodiac sign, which is a sign of great spiritual depth, of wisdom, and of love.
There is no better symbol for peace, tranquility, prosperity, and solitude than the peace lily. Speak positive affirmations to your peace lilies, because their symbolism is so powerful. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want to hear yourself.
Caring for peace lilies:
Where to put it? To help balance all of the energies in your home or office, place it in your bedroom or work area. You can let the presence of your plant be a reminder to think life affirming thoughts even if talking to it is outside the box.
How to care for it? It requires indirect sunlight and water once or twice a week, as soon as the soil becomes dry to the touch.
For a reminder to survive and thrive during hard times, try a snake plant
Snake plants are very tough and require very little care, so they can act as a powerful protection in your space.
Snake plants are perfect for easy-going individuals who need a reminder of their resiliency when things get tough. It is an ideal plant for keeping in observation since snake plants are easy-going. In other words, they need little attention and still thrive with a little pressure – just like a Libra!
Snake plants have a remarkable ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night; therefore, if you live in a space with little to no air movement, having quite a few snake plants around may help sanitize the air!
Even when you are feeling alone or facing a challenging time, snake plants serve as a reminder that you can remain strong and, ultimately, survive through even the toughest conditions. When you see this plant, pick a quiet area in your home where you can sit next to it, close your eyes, breath in the cool, fresh air it offers, and find peace.
Caring for snake plants:
Where to put it? The snake plant is best kept in the bedroom, where you are most likely to rest, or in any other room of your home. In particular, one of the most attractive features of this particular plant is that regardless of where it is placed in your space or how long it is neglected for, it will still provide you with clean air by growing strongly.
How to care for it? The soil should be watered every two weeks to keep it moist. The plant is rather hard to kill, which makes it easy to care for for anyone, regardless of experience.
For a reminder to stay present, try a eucalyptus
It is not only known for its pleasant aroma, but also for its ability to treat asthma, colds, and congestion as well.
Those who have trouble appreciating the present and the possibilities of tomorrow can also appreciate the eucalyptus plant. Lie down and breathe in its healing and powerful scent for a few moments. When you do this, you are brought back into the present moment.
Don’t forget that this moment is all you have. You cannot change what happened yesterday, and you cannot worry about tomorrow’s activities because it will not change what happened today.
Caring for eucalyptus:
Where to put it? In case you are feeling unwell, you can create an eucalyptus “bath bouquet” to bring to your shower. The fresh scent of the plant will fill the air while you are in the shower by tying a bundle of eucalyptus around your shower head and allowing the steam and heat to rise.
How to care for it? The eucalyptus tree needs full sunlight and to be watered regularly.
Benefits of Plants
In addition to instantly enhancing a home’s visual appeal, studies show that having plants around can help keep the air clean, create a sense of well-being, and enhance your personal wellbeing.
- Lowers levels of anxiety. The constant presence of plants helps people feel calm and relaxed, thereby decreasing their anxiety levels.
- Increases attentiveness and memory. If you are around plants throughout the day, your memory span will increase by 20 percent and your ability to concentrate will improve.
- Increases productivity. Adding a few potted houseplants to an employees’ workspace increases their productivity, according to a study.
- Reduces stress levels and boosts mood. Compared to mental work, taking care of plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. It is thought that planting is relaxing, comfortable, and promotes natural feelings, since it suppresses the sympathetic nervous system.
- Sparks creativity. Those who surround themselves with greenery and natural elements are 15 percent more creative.
Be Caring to Your Plants, Be Caring to Yourself
The plants suffered when I was mentally ill and could not take care of them because I wasn’t giving them the care they needed. On the other hand, if they’re green and happy, it usually means I’m paying more attention to myself and taking care of my emotional and physical needs. It gives me a sense of joy to witness the way my plant’s leaves spread naturally to receive the sunlight. In this way, I am reminded to do what I find fulfilling instead of only focusing on my obligations. It reminds me to never stop growing and to always keep moving forward.