RESEARCH

The Basic Roles of Indoor Plants in Human Health and Comfort

Having indoor plants nearby is linked to better mood, less stress, and improved satisfaction at work or school. The studies found that indoor plants can help people feel happier, more comfortable, and healthier.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Homes/Private Residences, Hospitals/Clinics, Public/Botanical Gardens, Schools/Educational Settings, Workplace Environments

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Faster Recovery Times, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Mental Health, Improved Stress Management

Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy, Counselling, Landscape Design, Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

Summary

This research paper reviews several studies to find out how having indoor plants affects people’s mood, health, and work performance. The studies involved people like students and office workers and looked at different kinds of indoor plants, like leafy plants and flowers. Many of the studies showed that having plants around can improve mood, reduce feelings of stress, boost job satisfaction, and even make people feel healthier or more comfortable in their workplace or classroom. The paper also mentions that plants might be more “intelligent” than we think because they can sense changes in their environment and may even send and receive sound.

The results show that not only do indoor plants make indoor spaces feel more attractive, but they also help people feel better mentally and physically. The paper suggests that bringing more plants inside can make everyday life happier and healthier for both students and employees.