There’s a noticeable effect to being out in nature.

According to the American Psychological Association, research continues to deepen our understanding of nature’s benefits. It can not only improve mental health, but has also been shown to sharpen cognition.

“Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.”

Even the plants in your own yard can help improve your mood and provide positive effects on your emotional, physical and mental health.

The emotional benefits

Spending time outside has the potential to provide a variety of emotional benefits. A study conducted on the connection between nature and health links outdoor experiences to:

• Happiness and subjective well-being
• Positive social interactions
• Sense of meaning and purpose

This can lead to reduced feelings of anxiety, stress and depression and even support improvements in one’s self esteem.

The physical benefits

Plants themselves can create a healthier environment for us simply by expelling oxygen. Some even help purify the air of pollutants. Having cleaner air to breathe also helps improve your overall health.

What’s more, gardening is a great way to get outside and burn calories at the same time. Not only can nature help inspire you to be more active, tending to your own plants can burn anywhere from 135 to 189 calories in just 30 minutes.

According to one study on the health benefits of the great outdoors, spending time outside may:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Decrease heart rate and risk of heart conditions
• Decrease risk of diabetes 
• Increase Vitamin D levels

These physical benefits may be linked to the exercise you feel inspired to get while outdoors as much as the sunshine and greenery themselves.

The mental benefits

Being about in nature can provide the brain with a break. The stimulation from screens, colleagues and the demands of life at home all take a back seat when you’re surrounded by nature. According to Understanding Nature and Its Cognitive Benefits, “exposure to natural stimuli consistently improves working memory performance.”

Having plants around at home, or spending just a short time out in nature, can also lead to:

• Increased creativity 
• Improved attention span and concentration
• Higher productivity levels

Even those experiencing diseases like dementia could see improved cognitive abilities by spending time outside.

Gardening as therapy

With all the benefits to being outdoors becoming apparent, it makes sense that gardening could be considered good for your health.

A recent study, Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening cites increasing evidence that, “exposure to plants and green space, and particularly gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health…”

This can include working outside or even tending to indoor house plants. The action of caring for plants can increase one’s physical activity and even create an opportunity to socialize if working in a communal space.

Plants that step it up for your health

While being out in nature on its own contributes to your overall well-being, certain plants also have additional documented healing properties. These are primarily plants with aromatherapy properties, ones that can relieve pain or even ones that help purify the air within your home. It’s not just the outdoor plants that can have these bonus properties, indoor plants can play a part as well. For example:

• Rosemary (Saliva rosmarinus) is not only great in cooking, but may also help improve your memory. Whether out in your garden or in a pot in the kitchen, rosemary comes in a few varieties including Rosmarinus officinalis varieties Tuscan Blue, Carpet and Roman Beauty and Creeping (Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus),.
• Lavender (Lavandula), another herb for your garden or windowsill, is known to help promote calmness. Popular varieties include English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Spanish Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas).
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), a great house plant, has healing properties when cut open, but can also help purify the air.
• Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata) not only remove toxins from the air but can help improve your sleep.
• Whether in a pot or filling the landscape, Jasmine (Jasminum) is known to relieve depression and lower blood pressure thanks to its pleasant smell.
• Its natural properties aside, Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) is also a butterfly attractor. It has a natural calming effect, but also brings these beautiful insects into your garden to enjoy with flowers in colors such as white, lavender and magenta.

These are only a few of the plants and bushes that can beautify your green space and contribute to your overall well-being.

Find true happiness with your plants

No matter what kind of plant brings you happiness, you can find everything you need for your outdoor space at your local SiteOne Nursery. Talk to a branch associate about what’s best for your garden or yard. You can also shop online or on our mobile app.