Plants & Anxiety: Growing Calm in a Chaotic World
In a world that never stops moving, where screens glow late into the night and notifications pull us in every direction, anxiety has become a constant companion for many of us. We try meditation, exercise, deep breathing, but what if the answer has been quietly growing around us this whole time?
Plants.
Beyond just looking good on a shelf, plants have a way of grounding us, slowing us down, and reconnecting us with something real. Let’s explore how plants can ease anxiety, how caring for them becomes an act of mindfulness, and why nature has always been our greatest healer.
1. Nature’s Remedy: How Plants Help with Anxiety
There’s a reason why we feel instantly better when we step into a lush forest or breathe in the scent of fresh flowers. Science backs up what we’ve always known intuitively, being around plants reduces stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown that indoor plants can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and even improve concentration. One study from 2015 found that simply interacting with plants, touching their leaves, repotting, or watering them, led to a decrease in physiological and psychological stress markers. It’s as if plants remind our nervous system to take a deep breath and relax.
Then there’s the act of nurturing something. Anxiety often makes us feel out of control, but tending to a plant gives us a small, manageable responsibility. Watching new growth emerge is a powerful reminder that change happens slowly and naturally.
And let’s not forget the color green. Psychologists say that green is one of the most calming colors, associated with renewal and balance. Surrounding yourself with lush greenery isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it’s a subconscious way of telling your brain that you’re safe.
2. Caring for Plants as a Mindfulness Practice
Anxiety often pulls us out of the present moment, making us worry about the future or dwell on the past. Plants, on the other hand, exist entirely in the now. They don’t rush. They don’t stress. They just grow, slowly and steadily, at their own pace.
Caring for plants becomes a kind of ritual, one that demands patience and attention. Watering, pruning, dusting leaves, checking soil moisture… These simple acts create a rhythm that can be deeply grounding.
Ever heard of the concept of "horticultural therapy"? It’s a real thing. Gardening and plant care are used in therapy settings to help people cope with stress, depression, and anxiety. It’s not just about keeping something alive; it’s about forming a connection. Watching a new leaf unfurl after weeks of care? That’s a small but powerful reminder that growth takes time, and so does healing.
A good trick? When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pick one plant and focus on it completely. Observe its shape, the texture of its leaves, how the light hits it. Breathe. Let it pull you into the moment.
3. Best Plants for a Calm Space
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to stress relief. Some have calming scents, others require minimal effort, making them perfect for beginners or those who don’t have a lot of natural light. Keep in mind that many indoor plants thrive best with good sunlight or a grow light, so choose wisely based on your space!
Here are a few plants that are perfect for reducing anxiety:
Lavender – The scent of lavender is known for its calming effects. Needs bright light to thrive.
Snake Plant – Extremely low-maintenance and can survive in lower light conditions, though it prefers bright, indirect light.
Aloe Vera – Resilient and easy to care for, but needs a sunny spot. The gel inside is also soothing for burns.
Golden Pothos – Can tolerate lower light levels and is great for beginners. Its trailing vines add a soft, natural touch to any space.
Peace Lily – A beautiful plant with elegant white flowers. Thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light settings.
Basil & Rosemary – Yes, even kitchen herbs count. The act of touching and smelling fresh herbs has been shown to lower stress levels instantly. They do require plenty of light, so a sunny windowsill or grow light is best.
4. A Playlist for Your Green Sanctuary
To make your plant-care ritual even more soothing, here’s a playlist designed to bring calm, inspired by nature’s own rhythms:
“Weightless” – Marconi Union (Scientifically proven to reduce anxiety)
“Dawn Chorus” – Thom Yorke (Soft and atmospheric)
“The Rain” – Joe Hisaishi (Piano that feels like a deep breath)
“Sunset Lover” – Petit Biscuit (Mellow electronic vibes)
“First Light” – Ólafur Arnalds (Minimalist and calming)
“Japanese Forest” – Nature Sounds (Let the sounds of birds and wind take you somewhere peaceful)
“Moonlit Meadow” – Hammock (Ethereal and weightless)
Hit play, sit with your plants, and let yourself just be.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of noise, plants remind us to be quiet. In a culture obsessed with speed, they show us the beauty of slowness. Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but the simple act of caring for something green and alive can bring a sense of peace, even in the chaos.
So next time your mind is racing, take a moment to check in with your plants. They might not talk, but they’re always listening. And sometimes, just sitting beside them, breathing deeply, and letting time slow down is exactly what we need.
PRIOUR
Clémentine
