Plants4Me – The Guide to Treating Yourself
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of self-care and wellbeing. This is down to the increased awareness of mental health and the general impact of stress from modern life such as work demands, family life, and financial problems. However, within the hustle and bustle of life, it’s important we take a minute to look after ourselves and prioritise our wellness. In this blog, we discuss why you should shift from gifting others to also gifting yourself every once in a while, and how plants can be a top self-care gift.
Self care is no longer a luxury, so now's the time to put yourself first and treat yourself to the plant you have always wanted
Why Treating Yourself Matters
Since the pandemic, there has been an increased focus on mental health as conversations around mental health issues like anxiety and depression have become less taboo. We’ve started to realise that the demands of modern life are leading to higher stress levels and that we need to prioritise self-care. And what better way to do that than the occasional treat to ourselves?
Paired with lifestyle changes like mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, and taking up hobbies, a little gift to yourself in the form of a houseplant is the perfect way to complement your self-care routine.
The Wellbeing Benefits of Houseplants
There have been multiple studies that show that houseplants have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Here are just some of the benefits they offer:
They May Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Plants in your home or office may help you feel more comfortable and less stressed, with studies showing that they can lower blood pressure during stressful tasks. The colour green is also a calming colour as, from an evolutionary standpoint, we associate it with fertile land.
They May Improve Air Quality
Plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release oxygen in return. Throughout this process, they also capture a range of airborne pollutants to effectively filter the air around them. This leads to overall improved air quality in the home.
They Can Help You Focus
By reducing stress and improving air quality, your plants make it easier to focus on tasks. This makes them a great addition to your home or office! Higher levels of CO2 make it harder to concentrate and think clearly, plants help balance out the levels of carbon dioxide in our bodies meaning more focus and less brain fog.
They Can Make You Happier
Biophilia is the connection we feel to nature which can occur when we look at the sky, feel the wind, smell the flowers, or enjoy the greenery of plants in our home. As we tend to spend much time indoors, we feel this a lot less. Bringing plants into your home can improve your happiness which contributes to your overall wellness.
Why Citrus Plants are the Perfect Gift for Yourself
Citrus plants are a popular choice for self-love gifts to yourself, and for good reason. Their uplifting scent and vibrant fruit and foliage can bring a refreshing energy to your space -whether that’s your kitchen, patio, or office - which can help you feel happier and calmer. Beyond their beauty, nurturing your own fruit provides a therapeutic experience, making them a perfect addition to your self-care routine.
Furthermore, citrus plants produce delicious, fresh, and zesty fruit which are high in vitamin C, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and can be used in cooking, with your favourite drink, or on their own.
Choosing the Best Self-Care Plant
When choosing your self-care plant, consider your lifestyle, personality, and overall preference. Whether you’re new to the plant game or you’re a seasoned plant parent, here’s how to choose your self-care plant.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can play a huge role in selecting your self-care plant. Are you a busy person who’s frequently out of the house? Maybe you’re a person who loves structure and routine. Or maybe you’re a traveller who isn’t home for days or weeks on end. Here are some options.
- Busy schedule. For those with a busy schedule, try opting for low-maintenance plants like zebra plant or satin pothos that thrive on minimal care.
- Routine-driven. For those who thrive on a routine, plants that need regular watering and attention (such as citrus plants or fiddle leaf figs) are a rewarding choice.
Lemon & Citrus Trees
Citrus trees are the perfect reminder of summer holidays and times when you are most relaxed
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Satin Pothos Plants
Choose low maintenance plants, like these Satin Pothos, to fit in with your busy schedule!
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Fiddle Leaf Figs
Statement foliage plants fill your living and working spaces with calming vibes
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Your Space
Whether you’re in a house with lots of natural light, a small flat, or an office, there are different plants that can thrive in different areas. Here are some plant options for your type of space:
- Rooms with lots of natural light. If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of natural light in your home, you can choose plants that thrive in bright, sunny spaces such as lemon trees and jasmine.
- Small flats or apartments. For smaller spaces, consider compact plants like peace lilies or orchids for a beautiful display that will fit almost anywhere.
- Low light conditions. Mother-in-law’s tongue (also known as a snake plant) and parlour palms are the perfect low-light plants as they can flourish even in dimmer corners.
Moth Orchids
Vibrant flowering orchids are the perfect long lasting gift to treat yourself with!
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Jasmine Hoops
Flowering plants such as Jasmine polyanthum thrive in bright, sunny indoor spaces
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Parlour Palms
Parlour Palms paired with an attractive pot are a great way to grow your houseplant collection
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Your Wellness Goals
When choosing a plant for yourself, you must think about the benefits you want to reap from it. Do you want to sleep better? Relax easier? Or simply boost your mood? There are plants no matter the wellness goal!
- Relaxation. If you aim to be able to unwind and relax after a long or stressful day, lavender plants are perfect as they produce a calming scent. As well as this, they also feature beautiful flowers and foliage.
- Better sleep. If you’re looking for a better night’s sleep, consider adding plants that enhance air quality and promote relaxation. For example, the pineapple plant, known for its anti-snoring qualities and ability to release anti-inflammatory enzymes into the air, and air-purifying plants like aloe vera are the perfect addition to your bedroom.
- Improve mood. If you’re just looking for a better overall mood, there are many plants that can offer these benefits. However, our choices would be any bright, leafy plant like the cheese plant or rubber plant.
Satin Pothos Plants
Leaf foliage plants improve Biophilia in the home creating calming spaces
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Give Yourself the Gift of Greenery
To summarise, self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And we all need to start prioritising it. Invest in your own well-being today by treating yourself to a quality plant nurtured in our Sussex-based nursery. Browse our range of houseplants now to find your perfect self-care gift, or get in touch with us to discuss your needs and preferences and we’ll be more than happy to recommend the best plants for you.
