Fight the Winter Blues with Plants

Chris Cohan writes about how plants are mighty mood boosters and bring fresh life to your indoor environment.

February 4, 2025
3 min read

Winter is here with short days, cold temperatures, and reduced sunlight that can make people lethargic, sad, or even develop Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that occurs more frequently during the darker months. Houseplants do more than just add a splash of greenery to your indoor space. They are mighty mood boosters and bring fresh life to your indoor environment. Here are five ways houseplants help you shake the blues during winter, while spreading warmth, vibrancy, and well-being in your home.

1. Mood Enhancer and Stress Fighter — Houseplants reduce stress in the human body, which is much needed these days with colder months, political drama, and the reality of once-again failed New Year’s resolutions. Studies show that just the presence of plants is enough to relax people and lower blood pressure. It reduces stress-related hormones such as cortisol. Simply seeing and being among greenery may produce the “happy hormones” of serotonin and dopamine. Adding flowers, like lavender or jasmine, will make a room calmer, providing a psychological boost. They have a calming effect because of their fragrance.

2. Purify Indoor Air — We close our windows in winter, sealing the air inside. This reduces the amount of oxygen available indoors. Cleaning products, cooking, and heating add more toxins.

Have no fear, Mother Nature is here. She recommends some good houseplants with excellent air-purifying abilities, including peace lilies, spider plant, and snake plants. Studies conducted by NASA listed specific types of plants that purify indoor air of toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia. Cleaner air inside the house means fewer headaches and irritations, clearer minds, and a happy atmosphere.

3. Reduce the Effects of Dry Air — In the winter, our homes often become as dry as the Sahara Desert from our heating systems. Dry air causes problems with skin, eyes, and respiration, adding to the misery of winter. Houseplants increase humidity levels in homes through transpiration. Place saucers with a layer of gravel beneath houseplants. The saucers provide drainage, accept excess water so roots don’t rot, and protect furniture while providing more humidity to your living spaces.

Ferns, palms, and Boston ferns can significantly raise the moisture levels. A few scattered plants throughout your home will refresh and relax you and, if you’re lucky, that grumpy Eeyore you are stuck cohabitating with. It is an effortless way to reduce the symptoms of aggravation associated with winter discomforts.

4. Mindfulness and Focus — Houseplant care is one way to become more mindful. Houseplant cultivation gives your mind a refreshing exercise in concentration. Proper watering, pruning, or just taking time to observe your plants and how they grow can focus your mind and give you the satisfaction that comes with accomplishment. If your workplace is at home, then a small plant on your desk may promote mental clarity and keep you productive and get you through the dreary days of winter. Not to mention, you now have something to share your business frustrations with. Houseplants never walk away, interrupt, or say, “You told me that many times. Stop, and get over yourself, already.” Maybe it is time to get over yourself.

5. Bring Nature and Color Inside — Winter feels dull and uninspiring unless you have some greenery and color around. Add easy-care houseplants like pothos, philodendrons, African violets, and peace lilies. Plants deliver better quality air, increase humidity, lift moods, and may create more mindfulness. They will protect you from the dark shadows of the winter blues with warmth, companionship, and life, as they improve your mental and physical health.

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