How being in nature and having plants in your home and business will help your health.

The clinicians at Turra Physio are worried about our cultures lack of nature awareness and knowledge of how it helps wellbeing.

We recognise the importance of having nature in every aspect of our lives and have addressed this essential requirement in the clinic and home with the help of Highland Moss of Aberdeen https://highlandmoss.com/. They have supplied us with a lovely array of plants that adorn our clinic rooms.  These plants not only look fantastic but help us and our patients regulate our nervous systems, clean the rooms air, lower our stress, improve our energy and physical health as well as importantly enhancing recovery.   

We, and I’m sure you have noticed in recent years, stress related diseases have become a social problem on a global scale. Without even realising it we are overstimulated and permanently stressed by this modern society, and that makes our bodies more susceptible to disease.  We are now having our sympathetic nervous system triggered not just by physically dangerous but also by emotionally dangerous situations. This can come in the form of ‘technostress’ where our emotions are being constantly stimulated and then mined by the ‘attention economy’, this prevents people from taking enough time to relax and allow the body and mind to rest fully. One piece of evidence is significantly worrying is our ‘pandemic’ levels of vitamin D deficiency, which is more common in children that spend over 4 hours on computer screens indoors.

How does being in nature and being around plants make you feel better, help you fight off illness and improve recovery rates?

It is around seven million years since our ancestors started evolving into the modern humans we are today. During that process of evolution we have spent more than 99.99 per cent of our time in a natural environment. Our bodies are adapted to nature.

Studies have shown that while we have shifted our lives into urban and city environments, it is clear that our bodies still recognise nature as our home.

Intuitively, we understand that the natural world makes us feel relaxed. It is not just woods and forests that can have a beneficial effect on our wellbeing. Other natural stimuli, such as parks, flowers, bonsai, house plants, pieces of wood have been shown to reduce stress, making these effects attainable to all of us.

One very important aspect of ‘Nature therapy’ is how it helps regulate the nervous system. When a person is in nature or has a house plant in their room at home, in the office on the desk, hanging from the ceiling or quietly residing in the corner, your stress will reduce and you will gain a feeling of relaxation. People also report being energised and refreshed. The simple act of being in the presence of a plant regulates your nervous system, promoting an healthier balance between activation and relaxation, which is a fundamental marker of wellbeing. This means illness can be prevented and a healthier way of living maintained.

In 1859, Florence Nightingale wrote about the power of plants to aid recovery. In Notes on Nursing, she reports her observations on the effect of viewing nature on her patients. ‘ I have seen, in fevers (and felt, when I was a fever patient myself), the most acute suffering produced from the patient (in a hut) not being able to see out of [the] window, and the knots in the wood being the only view. I shall never forget the rapture of fever patients over a bunch of bright-coloured flowers’ she recorded. ‘I remember (in my own case) a nosegay of wild flowers being sent me, and from that moment recovery becoming more rapid’. She observed: ‘Little as we know about the way in which we are affected by form, by colour, and light, we know this, that they have an actual physical effect. Variety of form and brilliance of colour in the objects presented to patients are actual means of recovery.’

Today we have a growing field of ‘nature therapy’ and mounting evidence base to show why and how a connection with the rest of nature is good for our minds and bodies. Perhaps we are noticing this all the more now, as we are in danger of losing the living world as we have known it, and with it, potentially, part of ourselves.

Scientifically the evidence thus far of the benefits of being outside are quite profound.  For example it has been proven that it improves your weakened immunity by increasing the count of NK cells, which are known to fight tumours and infections. You increase relaxation of the body due to increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system. Reduced stress of the body due to a reduction in the sympathetic nervous system activity. Reduced blood pressure after only 15 minutes and after a day engaged in nature that reduction can last for 5 days. Overall people report improved wellbeing even after only short spells of being outside. As noted before the low levels of Vitamin D are serious risk to health as it helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate and these two nutrients are required for bone, teeth and muscle health and its main production is stimulated by being in the sun. We can also get it by eating healthly.

The team at Turra Physio actively encourage our patients to engage in nature as part of their rehabilitation for all of the aforementioned reasons. Our goal is to get people fit, enabling them to get into nature as much as possible, be that by returning to sports, cycling, running, countryside walks and gardening.  We recognise that for some of our patients that is not easy and they might due to disability be more housebound than they would like.  Here we advise the use of houseplants to allow the positive interactions to happen. By having a variety of species in your home a person can enjoy all the beneficial properties of nurturing, propagating and simply being with a plant.  If you are interested in the vast benefits of living with house plants I have made a list below for you to have a look through.

We recommend Highland Moss to purchase from because they certainly have the most excellent selection of flora and fauna for every part of your home and your care skill levels. They also provide the most friendly support, so you get the best care advice for your new ‘green doctor’. Wefeel very honoured to have their plants in our lives and the fact they are a local business determined to be sustainable and improving people lives we are doubly honoured to have found them and will continue to expand our collection in clinic and at home through them.  If you are going to support them and yourself please use the code HAPPYPLACE10 for 10% off your order.

Having plants in your home can significantly improve both your health and well-being in various ways. Here's how:

1. Improved Air Quality

• Natural Air Purifiers: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, improving indoor air quality. Some plants, like spider plants and peace lilies, are particularly effective at filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

• Increased Humidity: Plants release moisture into the air, which can help prevent dry skin, respiratory issues, and irritation caused by dry indoor air.

2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

• Calming Effect: Studies show that being around plants can lower stress levels and create a sense of calm. The presence of greenery has been linked to reduced cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and can help to ease feelings of anxiety.

• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Taking care of plants can encourage mindfulness and provide a calming routine, offering a mental break from stressors.

3. Boosted Mood and Mental Well-being

• Connection to Nature: Having plants indoors can help combat the sense of isolation, particularly in urban settings. This "biophilic" connection to nature has been shown to improve mood and overall mental well-being.

• Aesthetic Pleasure: Simply looking at green plants and flowers can boost positive emotions, creativity, and cognitive performance.

4. Enhanced Focus and Productivity

• Cognitive Benefits: Research has found that environments with plants improve concentration, memory retention, and productivity. The calming presence of plants can reduce mental fatigue and help maintain attention during tasks.

• Better Learning Environment: Indoor plants in workspaces or study areas are associated with improved focus and creativity, making them ideal for both work-from-home setups and classrooms.

5. Improved Physical Health

• Reduced Risk of Illness: By increasing humidity, plants can reduce the incidence of colds, dry skin, sore throats, and dry coughs. The extra moisture helps prevent mucous membranes from drying out, which is crucial for immune function.

• Faster Recovery: In healthcare settings, patients who have access to natural views or indoor plants tend to recover faster, experience less pain, and require fewer medications.

6. Better Sleep

• Enhanced Air Quality: Plants like lavender, jasmine, or aloe vera release oxygen at night, which can contribute to a more restful sleep. Some plants also have a calming fragrance that promotes relaxation before bedtime.

7. Allergy Relief

• Filter Allergens: Certain plants can reduce airborne dust and allergens, making them beneficial for people with mild allergies. However, it’s essential to choose low-pollen and hypoallergenic plants.

8. Physical Activity and Responsibility

• Encourages Routine: Taking care of plants involves daily routines, including watering, pruning, and repotting. This fosters a sense of responsibility and can promote light physical activity.

• Therapeutic Gardening: Engaging in the act of caring for plants can be a form of therapy, providing a fulfilling, hands-on activity.

Overall, incorporating plants into your home can promote a healthier environment, reduce stress, and contribute to both mental and physical well-being.