Fall is here and the blues may be approaching a little sooner than winter this year. As the days become shorter and the sunlight wanes, we may feel our moods becoming as gray as the sky outside. While 2020 has been a tough year in general, letting go of sunny days and warm temperatures may be harder than ever this year. There’s a reason that we all start to feel a little gloomy this time of year and there’s science behind that seasonal funk. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that is related to the seasons changing, often beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months. Seasonal affective disorder or (SAD) can cause a lack of energy, social withdrawal and make you feel moody among other things.

Plants and Wellness

Whether you have been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder and are seeking help from a medical professional for your symptoms or you just find yourself needing an extra boost to your mood this fall and winter season, plants have been a proven source of comfort to their owners.

Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing and have known benefits of purifying the air in our home, they also can have immense mental health benefits.

To many, being out in nature amongst all things green and growing produces a calming effect that can reduce stress levels and may even lower blood pressure. When the changing of the seasons makes the green glow of nature less attainable, you can take the matter into your own hands by bringing nature into your home. Surround yourself with new life and growth in the form of houseplants. 

Hallie from the Wild Interiors team is a newer plant parent and can’t speak enough to the calming and comforting effect of her plants, which has now grown to a collection of over 40!

“ I love how my plants bring life and serenity to my space. As someone who loves to connect with nature and soak up the sun in the summer, my indoor jungle brings that element of joy inside during the gloomy and cold winter season!”

Nurture with Nature

It may not be what your plants are doing for you but what you’re doing for them. The feeling of taking care of or nurturing something living can provide feelings of self-worth and importance. (Much as it is with taking care of pets, children or others in need.) It can also be calming and relaxing following a structured care routine with your plants.

Looking after plants can be a form of self-care and is sometimes prescribed by doctors and therapists.

Best Plants for Health and Wellness

There are no specific plants for health and wellness that are better than the next. Think about what makes you happiest. Is it surrounding yourself with a lush green jungle or maybe colorful foliage or blooms?

You may want to take into account if you are looking for easy-care plants that won’t stress you out with their fussiness. Low maintenance plant suggestions include Pothos plants, Sansevieria and the ZZ plant. Or if you thrive on a challenge consider the finicky fiddle leaf fig!

As plants help us take care of ourselves this fall and winter, let’s make sure we are taking the necessary steps to keep them healthy and thriving through this season too! Read our tips on fall plant care for suggestions on adjustments you may need to make to your plant care routine during this changing season.