Green is Good for the Soul: The Psychology of Plants
We all know that being surrounded by plants can make us feel more rooted & alive, but did you know there's science behind why greenery helps us thrive? Research shows that interacting with houseplants can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even improve productivity. Plants aren’t just useless deco.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Plants Help Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Studies from institutions like NASA and the Journal of Physiological Anthropology have found that indoor plants improve concentration, reduce cortisol levels, and foster feelings of calm.
A 2010 study by the University of Technology in Sydney found:
Tension/anxiety reduced by 37%
Depression/dejection dropped by 58%
Fatigue lowered by 38%
These numbers point to a clear psychological benefit, but it goes even deeper. The act of tending to plants through watering, pruning, checking leaves can offer a grounding ritual that brings mindfulness into our daily routines. Much like petting a dog or lighting a candle, interacting with houseplants offers a soothing, tactile experience that reinforces presence.
Even hospital patients in rooms with greenery report lower pain levels and request fewer pain medications. This powerful link between plants and emotional regulation reinforces how essential natural elements are to mental balance.
Plants Benefit Physical Health Too
Greenery doesn’t just improve how we feel emotionally but also has measurable effects on our physical systems:
Lowers blood pressure: A 2019 study (Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health) showed plant interaction boosted parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Cleans indoor air: NASA’s Clean Air Study confirmed that plants remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Balances humidity: Houseplants increase ambient moisture, aiding respiratory comfort and skin hydration.
For people with allergies or chronic respiratory conditions, certain plants like areca palm, bamboo palm, and peace lily may provide noticeable relief by maintaining optimal humidity and filtering airborne irritants. These benefits, while subtle, accumulate over time & especially in spaces with limited ventilation or artificial air circulation.
Plants also contribute to regulating our body’s circadian rhythm by supporting a more natural indoor light dynamic, especially when placed near windows. This can improve sleep patterns and support more restful nights.
Improves Focus, Acoustics, and Mental Clarity
Boosts productivity: Cognitive tasks performed near plants are completed faster and more accurately.
Absorbs noise: Leaves and soil help reduce ambient sound levels in indoor spaces.
Stimulates calm brain responses: Neuroimaging shows green visual stimuli activate areas linked to pleasure and relaxation.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people working in plant-rich environments made fewer errors and were significantly more attentive than those in bare office settings. Beyond productivity, visual exposure to green, leafy elements can restore mental energy depleted by screen time and decision fatigue.
Office designers and schools are increasingly turning to plant integration not just for aesthetics, but for its proven ability to enhance cognitive function. Even a few potted plants near your desk can reduce visual fatigue and serve as micro-breaks for your overstimulated brain.
The Greenhaus Mission: A Space to Breathe
At Greenhaus, we believe that nature and wellness should be accessible to everyone whether you're a long-time plant lover or just beginning to explore their benefits. That’s why we’re working hard to bring our vision to life with a plant-filled coffee shop that serves as a sanctuary where locals and visitors alike can step away from the stress of daily life, enjoy artisanal coffee, and breathe deeply among the greenery.
Over the next six months, we’re finding a space to reflect this mission & creating a peaceful, plant-rich environment designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. It will be a place to recharge, reset, and reconnect. We can’t wait to welcome you in and share this dream with our community.
Photo by Denis Berezovik on Unsplash
We’re so grateful you’re here to witness the journey!
- Zoé & The Greenhaus Team
