By Alison Palmer
The past year has definitely been unnatural for all of us, and created detrimental effects on everyone’s physical and mental well-being. In fact, many people reported that they have felt more stressed due to their overall health and their personal hardships. Thus, a majority of Canadians have emphasized that they are placing greater focus on their mental and physical care.
Many are investing in tools and solutions that can help in combating mental and physical stress. One article on Pain Free Working emphasizes that people are paying more attention to ergonomic furniture to improve their physical well-being while they’re at home. Self-care practices are also becoming increasingly popular since more people are investing in their mental health. Most importantly, people are taking care of their minds and bodies with the help of plants. Similarly, you can sit back and relax while the plants work their magic.
Nurture Your Body Through Nature’s Healing Power
Various types of plants serve as natural remedies for ailments, pain, and stress. By this time, you’ve probably encountered numerous doctors and dietitians who are reminding you to eat your fruits and vegetables. This advice is an oldie but a goodie, because it’s simply effective.
These types of food provide high amounts of nutrients, while providing low and healthy levels of calories, fat, and sodium. Due to their high nutrition content, you can avoid chronic illnesses by regularly consuming fruits and vegetables! Various studies have proven that high consumption of these kinds of food can prevent diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis, and dementia, to name a few.
Fruits and vegetables aren’t only effective in improving your physical health, they can also decrease your stress levels. According to this study by Edith Cowan University, people who consume at least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables daily have significantly lower stress levels compared to those who eat less than 230 grams. Indeed, these types of plant-based food provide great benefits for both your mind and your body.
You can also beat stress and heal your body by using a class of herbs known as adaptogens. You know that these plants definitely have your back because they have been used in Ayurveda for over 5,000 years! To help you combat stress, adaptogens maintain your cortisol levels so that you can sit back and relax.
One of the most powerful adaptogens is ashwagandha, an Indian ginseng that lowers stress, eases anxiety, and improves energy levels. On the other hand, holy basil or tulsi is known as an anti-aging adaptogen because it aids in reducing stress, plus it gives your hair, nails, and skin a healthy boost, too! Another one that you can benefit from is the Rhodiola Rosea, which helps with stress relief, fatigue, and depression.
Surround Yourself with Beneficial Plants
Plants can also do so many wonders for you, especially when they become a part of your daily environment. Air-filtering plants like the Chinese Evergreen, Dwarf Date Palm, and Sansevieria can remove harmful toxins from your place. These plants are super easy to take care of, plus they can also prevent coughs, ease fatigue, and alleviate itchy eyes! Breathe in and out as they produce more oxygen and improve your home’s air quality.
You can also lower your work-related stress and anxiety by placing a plant by your desk. Workers who took a three-minute break to tend, water, and observe a desk plant improved their psychological state and lowered their pulse rate after four weeks.
After a long workday, you can also relax and have a good night’s sleep by placing plants near your bed. Eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary are fragrant herbs that can help those who struggle with insomnia. By decorating the right plants in your space, you can improve your mental and physical health.
You can ease both your mind and your body, with the help of Mother Nature. Become healthier and happier by consuming nutritious plant-based food and decorating your space with plants.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise readers to always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.