PLANT POWER: 10 PLANTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN THE OFFICE

WHILE THE health benefits of plant-based diets are well documented, new research uncovers the lesser-known uses of the nature around us.

The UK’s leading online florist, SerenataFlowers.com, has identified 10 plants that are more than just a pretty face, as they possess qualities that can actually improve our health and wellbeing, and increase productivity in the office:

Increase productivity

Having plants in the office has been found to increase worker productivity by 15%*[1]. Not only are they found to reduce stress and fatigue whilst aiding memory retention, they also regulate humidity and reduce carbon dioxide, both of which help employees remain energised. Bamboo Palm is known for its ability to fight indoor air pollution, promoting clear-thinking and easy breathing. Another top office plant is Golden Pothos which removes air toxins and absorbs unpleasant smells – the perfect plant to keep by the office fridge!

Help you sleep

Not getting enough sleep can have a huge impact on the quality of your work and your ability to problem solve. Whether you struggle to drift off or are easily disturbed in the night, keeping a potted Aloe Vera plant beside your bed could help you see the night through, as it produces oxygen at night to combat insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. Jasmine flower is also believed to reduce anxiety levels which in turn will help you drift off to sleep, and the gentle scent will keep you in a deep sleep throughout the night.

Reduce anxiety

Mental health is a big topic of discussion at the moment and it’s important to take time for self-care. An easy way to improve your mood and help reduce anxiety in the workplace is to fill your office with plants. Lavender is known for its stress-relieving qualities – it slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure to greatly reduce stress. This is why its scent can often be found in lotions and sprays. Snake Plant is also believed to reduce anxiety, improve respiratory problems and cure the symptoms of a headache.

Clean the air

Removing harmful toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene will keep both you and your office happy and healthy. Rubber Plant and Peace Lilies are both incredibly effective at purifying the air around you. Rubber Plants are great for removing harmful toxins, particularly formaldehyde, and these plants become more efficient at cleaning the air as time goes on. Peace Lilies are also believed to improve air quality by as much as 60 per cent and true to their name, bring with them a sense of peace and relaxation which will help you remain focused.

Repel critters

Mint and Basil can be used to keep creepy crawlies at unwanted pests at bay. Mint is known to repel lots of insects including mosquitoes due to its strong smell – it can even keep mice away. Another great insect repellent is Basil, which can be planted around doors and windows to keep bugs from entering your office space.

Lucia Polla, marketing manager at SerenataFlowers.com, comments: “Clearly, we should be bringing more plants into our offices.

“These days we tend to keep plants and flowers around as decoration or to take advantage of their lovely scent, but this research is a nice reminder of the wonderful ways in which plants can actually benefit our health and happiness. Perhaps when we’re feeling a bit run-down the garden should be our first port of call.”

Peace lilies can be purchased at serenataflowers.com. To find out more about Serenata Flowers, visit: www.serenataflowers.com

10 PLANTS AND THEIR PRACTICAL USES

Increase productivity

• Bamboo Palm

• Golden Pothos

Help you sleep

• Aloe Vera

• Jasmine

Reduce anxiety

• Snake Plant

• Lavender

Clean the air

• Rubber Plant

• Peace Lily

Repel critters

• Mint

• Basil