Many people love being surrounded by greenery, and there is no denying that walking among beautiful green plants beings a sense of peace and serenity. But the humble houseplant offers far more benefits than just aesthetic – they can actually make us healthier, more productive and happier!

Green plants are natural air purifiers. They detoxify pollutants and give off clean oxygen, both of which are essential to our health and well being. When we breathe cleaner air, our lives are improved in many ways. For instance:

Aglaonema Plant

• When the air has less toxins, we get sick less often. Dry skin, throats and noses benefit from the moisture a plant exudes; and even the flu virus has been proven to be transmitted far less effectively in an interior space with many plants.
• With more oxygen and less carbon dioxide (the result of photosynthesis in green plants) we feel calmer, happier and less anxious. We also have more focus, are less drowsy and are more productive – meaning that filling your office space with green plants is a great idea as well.
• Green plants help us to heal faster. Medical research has shown that patients surrounded by greenery have lower blood pressure, need less pain medication, and are released from treatment more rapidly.
• In a work environment, employees report a higher degree of job satisfaction – and actually call in sick less often – when common areas, entrances and office interiors are filled with green plants.

These claims are, in a way, actual rocket science. That is, NASA studied the effects of green plants on people in small spaces, and found all of the above to be true. So much so, that the organization has recommended that everyone, home and office, have a green plant for every 100 square feet of interior space. Just think of how peaceful and beautiful your home can be.

January 10 is Houseplant Appreciation Day. This is the perfect time to start the New Year off right – whether for yourself, a friend or a colleague, a green plant is the perfect way to wish good health and happiness. Come into Gainan’s to choose yours today.