These are difficult times for all of us. At the time of writing, much of the world is still under lockdown, and a return to normality seems a remote possibility in the immediate future. We’re isolated, we’re upset and we’re ailing. Even if we’re lucky enough not to come into direct contact with the COVID-19 virus. Still, as in all things, plants can be a tremendous help to us in these difficult times. These little miracles of nature can be our best friends while we hunker down and do our best to flatten the infection curve.
Whether you’re a keen gardener, a macrobiotics enthusiast, a dedicated lover of houseplants or just someone who really loves good food, here are 5 ways in which we need plants now more than ever…
They can boost an ailing mood
We’ve known for centuries that being close to grasses, flowers, plants and trees is a proven mood booster and can help us to feel calm and tranquil, even in the most uncertain times. Indeed, we’ve been keeping plants in our homes since ancient Babylonian times. Their presence removes toxins and pollutants from the air, oxygenates our living space and can keep us calm while aiding concentration and productivity. Whether you’re trying to stay productive while working from home or simply relaxing with a good book, plants have the power to brighten your day.
Growing them gives us purpose and satisfaction
At a time when our access to the great outdoors is limited, your garden can represent a wonderful opportunity to engage with nature and experience the satisfaction of growing a life. Whether you’re growing beautiful plants purely for their aesthetic value or growing your very own organic veggies, growing plants gives us a wonderful sense of satisfaction and purpose. You don’t even need access to a garden to enjoy this. You may be surprised to learn what you can grow in an apartment balcony or even a window box.
They can keep us healthy and calm
Of course, we don’t just get to enjoy plants visually. A wholefoods plant-based diet is rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, vitamins and minerals. With access to fast food and processed convenience foods limited, we have every opportunity to resist temptation and clean up our diet to make ourselves happier, healthier and calmer on the inside and out. Now might even be the perfect time to try out a macrobiotic cooking school or make the switch to a wholefoods, plant based diet.
They can improve immune function
Plants aren’t just full of vitamins and minerals. They’re also full of phytochemicals which have long been associated with improved function and reduced risk of a wide range of chronic diseases.
They can help us sleep
Finally, a good night’s sleep is absolutely essential to good overall health. While we sleep, our bodies carry out the repair and maintenance needed to keep our minds and bodies at their best. But in these anxious times, a good night’s sleep is getting harder to come by. Fortunately, the scent of plants like lavender, ylang ylang and jasmine are well known for their ability to help us drift off to sleep. If you can’t keep the plants themselves by your bedside, at least consider using a diffuser with some essential oils.
Sleep tight!