"Unlocking the Green Magic: A Guide to Green Living": Delve into the enchanting world of green living as this article explores the simple yet powerful ways in which surrounding ourselves with nature can boost our well-being. Discover the secrets behind turning your home into a haven of greenery and learn how each plant becomes a key player in the symphony of a happier, healthier life.
Intentional Living Mental Health

Green Therapy: A Green Approach to Mental Health

Never Miss A Post

Join 408 other subscribers.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll be more than familiar with my love of plants and all things green. When I moved from Brisbane to Adelaide, I had to leave behind more than 40 plants! However, I have already begun to replace them, and my plant family currently sits around the 20 mark. I have loved plants and gardening for as long as I can remember, and green therapy has been a part of my life for years.

There is just something so special about bringing life into our homes. Nurturing it, and watching it grow. Every time I see one of my plants has grown a new shoot or leaf, I get beyond excited. And I share it with my followers on Instagram, of course. Whenever I see my plants, I am rewarded with a sense of peace, a sense of calm.

I check on them daily, I talk to them, and I make sure they are all thoroughly loved. Even though my fern is currently looking worse for wear – my one weakness! But having plants in my life, in my home, truly brings me joy, and happiness, and is a great boon to my mental health.

In this post, I discussed the benefits of bringing Forest Bathing into our homes, and today we’re going to expand on this and discover the joy of Green Therapy.

Understanding Green Therapy.

The Science Behind the Smile.

Plants aren’t only used in medicine to make us feel better and improve our health. Plants are silent healers that also affect our psychological well-being. One of the key reasons for this in green therapy is the release of chemicals called phytoncides by plants. Phytoncides protect plants from harmful organisms, but luckily, they also have therapeutic effects on us. When we breathe in these phytoncides, our bodies respond by reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of ease.

Also, the colour green itself has many psychological benefits. It’s often associated with feelings of tranquillity, balance, renewal, and life itself. Just being around the colour green can help reduce our stress, and anxiety and improve our mental wellbeing.

Being a Plant Mum or dad.

Caring for a plant is no different to caring for a pet. They need to be watered, given beautiful and abundant sunlight, and they need to be fed and nurtured. The very act of nurturing a living thing, watching it grow and thrive under your care, is incredibly rewarding. This connection to nature, caring for and nurturing our plants, is at the core of what psychologists refer to as “biophilia,” the human tendency to seek connections with nature.

The simple act of caring for a plant brings us a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It helps boost our confidence and fosters a positive mindset. It’s a reminder that even in our chaotic, and busy lives, we are part of a larger natural cycle.

"The Green Revolution: How Plants are Revolutionizing Well-being": Uncover the green revolution that is reshaping our approach to well-being. This article goes beyond the surface, highlighting how green living is not just a trend but a commitment to a holistic and sustainable lifestyle. Join the revolution and explore the transformative power of plants for a healthier, happier you.

Stress Relief in a Pot.

The pressures of modern living have a massive impact on our mental and physical wellness. We are constantly bombarded with notifications and distractions, and sometimes it can be difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life. This chronic stress can take a toll on our mental health. You may have noticed though, that it’s not just our homes that are overflowing with greenery, but even offices have started to realise the importance of having living plants around their workers.

Studies show that indoor plants in the home or office can radically reduce stress and anxiety levels. The process of photosynthesis, where plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, impacts the air we breathe. And cleaner air means a healthier mind. Indoor plants like snake plants, pothos, and spider plants are not only easy to care for but also excellent air purifiers!

Greening Your Workspace.

If you spend long days working in a confined office space, bringing a small plant for your desk could have a positive impact on your mental health throughout the day. This study conducted by the University of Exeter found that employees with office plants reported a 15% increase in well-being, a 6% increase in productivity, and a 15% increase in creativity.

Plants in the office environment not only improve air quality, but they also create a more welcoming, and attractive space. Adding a few succulents, some ZZ’s, or a small desk-friendly plant such as a nerve plant or pothos, can make a huge difference in your workday.

"The Green Revolution: How Plants are Revolutionizing Well-being": Uncover the green revolution that is reshaping our approach to well-being. This article goes beyond the surface, highlighting how green living is not just a trend but a commitment to a holistic and sustainable lifestyle. Join the revolution and explore the transformative power of plants for a healthier, happier you.

Green Spaces for Mental Respite.

When we live in the city or the suburbs, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature. However, many cities now recognise the importance of green spaces for mental health and wellbeing. Urban parks, community gardens, and botanical gardens provide oases of calm in the midst of concrete jungles.

If you have never been to Adelaide, you’re missing out! The city of Adelaide is surrounded by extensive parklands, which promotes positivity and happiness in all the city’s inhabitants. In fact, designed in the 1830’s, Colonel Light designed the city and its parklands to enrich its people’s well-being and quality of life. Clearly, a man ahead of his time in terms of green therapy!

Spending time in these green havens allows us to unplug from the stresses of modern life, providing a mental reset. Whether it’s a lunchtime stroll through a nearby park or a weekend picnic in the local gardens, incorporating green spaces into our routine is a positive step towards a happier and healthier mind.

"Planting Happiness: A Beginner's Guide to Green Therapy": Dive into the world of green therapy with this beginner-friendly guide. Learn how easy it is to transform your living space into a green oasis, embrace the benefits of office greens, and take small yet impactful steps towards a happier and more balanced life. This guide is your key to planting the seeds of happiness.

Expanding Your Green Journey: Integrating Plant Therapy into Everyday Life.

The path to a greener, more balanced life isn’t just about adding a few plants here and there. It’s a holistic journey that involves mindful choices and a genuine connection to nature.

Create Your Indoor Eden.

Creating a green space at home is easy thanks to how accessible it is to buy indoor plants. There’s no need to go to a nursery when you can buy plants from your grocery store, or even online. If you’re a new plant parent, then start with something easy like a pothos, or a Zanzibar. These will not only add a touch of natural beauty to your home but will also serve as constant reminders of the therapeutic power of plants.

Greener Workdays, Greater Productivity.

As mentioned above, bringing green to your working day in the office has numerous benefits to both our mental and physical well-being. If you have a brightly lit desk, try introducing some small succulents that will thrive on the windowsill. Alternatively, a nerve plant is a colourful addition that is as easy to care for as they are beautiful.

"Nature's Tune: The Symphony of Green Living Practices": Embark on a harmonious journey through the various notes of green living practices. From cultivating indoor plant sanctuaries to taking mindful walks in nature, each practice contributes to a melody that promises to transform your everyday life. Discover the joy and balance that the symphony of green living brings.

refresh yourself with Nature Walks.

Whether it’s during your lunch break, or on the weekend, take the time to spend outside and immerse yourself in the healing embrace of nature. Even if it’s just a quick stroll through the park, the abundant greenery has the power to rejuvenate your senses, elevate your mood, and provide a much-needed break from the demands of daily life.

Gardening as Therapy.

If you have a garden or the space for a garden, spending time around plants is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby. Whether it’s growing a small vegetable patch or nurturing a collection of potted herbs, the act of tending to plants fosters a profound sense of connection to nature. Gardening not only engages our physical senses of touch and smell but also allows us to witness the cycle of growth and reap the literal fruits of our labour.

Mindful Retreats into Nature.

When we’re connecting with nature, embracing mindfulness becomes even easier. Immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells that surround us, and engaging in mindful moments amidst nature is a simple yet effective way to recharge our minds and reconnect with the present moment.

Incorporating green therapy into our lives is a transformative lifestyle choice. By creating a greener home, infusing nature into our workspace, exploring the outdoors, trying our hand at gardening, and practising mindfulness in nature, we’re not only enhancing our mental well-being but also contributing to a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the world around us.

"Beyond Aesthetics: The Hidden Benefits of Green Therapy": Explore the hidden treasures of green therapy as we uncover the surprising ways plants influence our mental, physical, and emotional health. From creating indoor jungles to bringing nature into our workspaces, this article unravels the profound impact of green living practices beyond their visual appeal.

Final Thoughts.

Embracing green therapy and a greener lifestyle is a commitment to holistic well-being that goes beyond us as individuals, and extends to the broader ecosystem we inhabit. As we explore this lifestyle it becomes evident that the benefits of green therapy extend beyond our own personal mental health and wellbeing, but the wellness of those around us – and nature itself.

As we create our indoor spaces, we transform them into living, breathing sanctuaries that evolve and change along with our lives. Our relationship with nature, when integrated into our workdays, becomes an ongoing practice of promoting positivity and productivity. Exploring the outdoors becomes a lifelong adventure, fostering a deep connection with the ever-changing beauty of the natural world.

In paving the way to a happier, healthier, and more balanced life, green therapy becomes a narrative of our conscious choices. Each decision to incorporate nature into our lives is a step towards taking ownership of our well-being, environmental stewardship, and a more harmonious existence.

By bringing a greener lifestyle into our daily routines, we not only transform our immediate surroundings but also contribute to the collective well-being of the planet—a legacy that extends far beyond our individual lives.

Plants give us oxygen for the lungs and for the soul.

– Linda Solegato

What do you think?

You may also like...

Have You Read?