MIAMI – Being mindful or present in the moment seems easy. But it’s not. There are many distractions, for example stress at work, in our relationships, in the news and so on. Studies show practicing mindfulness produces a variety of physical, psychological and social benefits.
“In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to center yourself, quiet your thoughts and live in the moment should be something we regularly make time for,” says Justin Hancock, garden expert at Costa Farms, the largest producer of ornamental plants in the world. “Thinking about something as simple as caring for a houseplant calms your mind.”
Keeping indoor plants in the home and office connects us to nature. Plus, there are multiple scientific studies that prove proximity to plants reduces stress, increases productivity, and even helps you heal and sleep better.
Costa Farms’ Hancock offers five ways houseplants help with mindfulness:
1. Take in the “Now” of a Houseplant
Learn something from how a plant lives. What is more “in-the-moment” than an indoor plant? It reacts calmly to its surroundings — light, water, temperature — and uses those surroundings to flourish.
2. Celebrate New Growth
What is more encouraging than the physical manifestation of growth? Fresh leaves emerge, flowers burst forth and the plant expands. Be mindful of the plant and find joy in the little changes and grow together.
3. Take a Deep Breath
Houseplants purify the air. Being around houseplants allows you to benefit from their air-cleansing talents. A NASA study found houseplants remove indoor pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia, from the air. These substances can make us sick. Different houseplants work well in all settings, from the office, to the kitchen, bedroom, etc. There are houseplants for every room.
4. Engage with Nature
Sharing living spaces with houseplants brings inside the richness of the outside world. Engage with nature in every room of the home. Plants can remind us of different ecosystems, and their adaptability makes it a cinch to recreate such environments like deserts, forests or even jungles within the home.
5. Be a Plant Parent
Mindfulness means engaging with other life. Plants are living things that need to be taken care of — and that help people connect with nature. Plus, a plant isn’t as demanding as a pet. All a plant needs is to have its basic needs (enough light and moisture) fulfilled. Take a moment every day to slow down and enjoy the moment with a plant.
For more information on the benefits of adding plants to your home, visit http://www.costafarms.com.
Source: Costa Farms
