Four Reasons to Surround Yourself with Plants
There are many characteristics that can be attributed to Beijing, but being verdant isn’t one of them. But, just because this fair city is sparse on the shrubberies, doesn’t mean you can’t get your green fix on your own.
Surrounding yourself with houseplants has a wealth of proven health benefits. In a land of abundant health concerns and just as many plant markets selling affordable wares, it almost seems silly not to go forth and fill your life with leafy friends.
Clear the air
Arguably the top health concern for Beijing residents is air quality. We’re sure you already have mechanical air purifiers strategically placed around your office and home, but you can also add a few living ones for good measure. Like the HEPA filter in your machine, a live plant can remove dust and toxins from the air by absorbing them into their tissues.
This selfless act leaves the air fresh and clean for you to use as you see fit. There are plenty of native Chinese plants that are great at this trick, including Chinese evergreens and the famous money tree plant (发财树).
Get some happy
There’s a reason why horticultural therapy (HT) is a thing. The act of nurturing plants has been shown to improve mood and promote feelings of purpose.
It’s not just live plants, either. A 2005 study conducted by US researchers in New Jersey showed that being presented with flowers can promote positive emotions, both at the time and for several days afterward.
Put your head down
A 2011 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that participants asked to complete a demanding cognitive task performed better when surrounded by plants. They suggested that having a potted plant in the office, or having a window view onto foliage, was more beneficial to attention than a five-minute break.
If you work in an office and your job requires a lot of focus, invest in a few plants (the study used four) and see if that doesn’t boost your concentration and performance.
Get well soon
Plants can also have a more direct effect on our health. A 2008 study by US researchers in Kansas documented a shortened recuperation time and a reduced need for pain medication in patients recovering from abdominal surgery who had plants and flowers in their hospital rooms.
These health benefits don't stop with people who are already sick. People surrounded by plants have reported feeling more healthy, catching fewer colds, and taking fewer sick days from work. These benefits are thought to derive from a plant’s ability to absorb toxins and irritants like dust, as well as their mild, air-hydrating properties.
Many of the vendors at Beijing’s plethora of plant markets will really know their stuff. After all, they have managed to keep their wares alive long enough to sell them. If you don’t speak Chinese, bring a Chinese-speaking friend to the market and pick the vendors’ brains. This is a great way to find your dream plant.
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Prefer consuming greenery rather than just getting an eyeful of it? Consider these reasons to up your green tea intake.
Looking for other ways to boost your mood? Check out our article about the benefits of exercise for mental health.