Our houseplants don't just brighten our living spaces; they also teach us valuable lessons and as result, have a powerfully positive impact on our lives. Tending to plants can be a straight forward method to practice mindfulness, routine, connect to nature, and introduce a sense of responsibility into your life. In this blog, we delve into seven insightful lessons we can learn from our houseplants with insights from our friends at Leeds Mind.
Patience and Growth
Houseplants teach us the art of patience. Just as plants need time to grow and thrive, we too should embrace the gradual journey of self-improvement. Hoyas are known to be slow growers in comparison to other common houseplants, yet with time and patience they reward us with beautiful and fragrant flowers. The Kojo team love to use this analogy to describe the patience personal development requires. Embracing this growth process can really enhance our overall well-being.
Nurturing and nutrition
We probably won’t be the first to tell you that houseplants thrive with proper care and attention. Houseplants enjoy regular watering, feeding, cleaning and pruning. Likewise, our mental health requires nurturing. Self-care requires us to take time and check in with ourselves, identify our needs, and actively meet them. The elegant Peace Lily serves as a reminder that with the right environment, watering schedule and care, both our mental health and plants can flourish.
Adaptation
Houseplants have a wonderful tendency to adapt to their surroundings, bending toward the sunlight and adjusting to different conditions. This adaptability reminds us to be flexible in the face of life's challenges. The resilient Prayer Plant showcases adaptation every night, as once dusk falls, its leaves begin to move up to protect itself from predators. In the morning, the leaves perk up and follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. Learning how to adapt to new situations is crucial for success. Similarly, embracing adaptability helps us thrive, finding strength in the face of life's uncertainties.
Connection to Nature
Caring for houseplants connects us with nature, which has a calming and grounding effect on our mental health. Spending time with hands in the soil and in front of greenery can be a form of mindfulness, helping us reduce stress and find solace in the natural world.
Sophie Westmoreland, Corporate and Events Fundraiser at Leeds Mind said "Bringing nature into your everyday life is a great way to boost your mental wellbeing. In fact, engaging with nature has been found to help with mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. For example, research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment which involves doing activities outside of nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with getting some vitamin D.”
Routine and Consistency
Houseplants thrive when we establish a consistent care routine. This teaches us the importance of creating regular self-care rituals in our lives to develop familiarity and progress. The hardy Snake Plant, known for its adaptability to thrive in almost any light conditions and on a bimonthly watering schedule inspires us to build healthy habits in our personal lives that contribute to our overall resilience and well-being. Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of structure and stability in our daily lives. A consistent routine can help to manage feeling overwhelmed by providing a predictable and organised framework for daily activities.
Self-Reflection
Houseplants need us to observe and respond to their changing needs. Similarly, self-care requires self-reflection. Watching your houseplants grow and thrive serves as a tangible symbol of nurturing and growth. This can be a powerful visual representation that complements your journey of self-improvement and development.
Resilience
Houseplants can withstand adversity, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. This resilience is a valuable lesson for our own mental health journey. The robust Bunny Ear Cactus can thrive even in the most arid conditions which brings to light the strength and power we can harness to navigate life's challenges and setbacks.
At House of Kōjō, we firmly believe in the therapeutic power of plant care as a means of self-care. That’s why we’ve partnered up with Leeds Mind, a local mental health charity committed to working towards better mental health for all. In support of Leeds Mind, we have embarked on a mission to promote the positive impact houseplants have on our mental well-being.
From now until Christmas, every order you place with us will be thoughtfully packaged in a special blue box to promote mental health awareness.
Learn all about their incredible work here.
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