Finding your purpose in recovery can be a challenge. Sometimes it’s easier when you take a break from self-analysis and focus on taking care of something or someone else. Caring for an object can promote a sense of stability and tranquility in recovery.
This blog post will discuss the benefits of taking care of plants, explain how plants promote wellness, and explore the healthy coping skills provided at The Guest House.
Stress Reduction From Taking Care of Plants
A research study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that having plants in your home can assist with feelings of calm, soothing, and connection to nature. Immersing yourself in nature can guide your mind to feel more at ease and relaxed. Just this alone can reduce stress in your daily life.
When stress occurs, it is easy to get caught up in negative thoughts. Ruminating about things that are out of your control tends to increase stress levels. Taking care of plants can take your focus off of the stress and onto the present moment, giving you a sense of connection and meditation in the comfort of your own home.
How you decide to take care of plants is your choice. This can look like having a garden or just an individual plant in your house. A sense of mindfulness occurs when taking care of anything besides yourself during recovery. All too often, stress consumes your mind. Sometimes just taking a moment to connect with nature can be what you need to decrease stressful feelings.
Taking Care of Your Outlook on Life Through Plants and Nature
Boredom tends to be one of the biggest triggers of relapse. Now that you are living your best life in recovery, you may notice that you have more time on your hands than you had anticipated. Taking care of your recovery will look different for each stage that you are in. Connection is the key to creating a strong foundation for recovery. When you are forging connections, your outlook on life tends to shift.
Connection comes in all shapes and sizes. Connecting to yourself through finding a new hobby can increase your positive outlook on life and recovery. An article titled “Your Houseplants Have Some Powerful Health Benefits” in Time magazine explained this effect. “Levels of comfort and positive emotions increase with the duration of exposure to plants,” the authors stated. Positive emotions are created when you connect with plants. According to the British Journal of Psychiatry International, horticultural therapy (the study of plants) increases overall wellness.
Plants Add Color to the Environment
When you walk down a street, more than likely you notice houses with plants or beautiful landscapes. You may smile slightly and notice that your mood is lifted. The color green can improve your mood when you are feeling sad because of its association with nature. Green is the most balanced color and encourages independence, according to Frontiers in Psychology. No matter where you go, color fills the earth. Whether you are in a country or city setting, a space of greenery is nearby waiting for you to connect.
The Best Plants to Freshen Your Air
No concrete evidence proves that plants purify the air. However, there is evidence that they add fragrance or freshen the air around you. If you decide to purchase plants for your home or bedroom, below are several plants that are found to be the most effective in purification:
- Spider plant
- Rubber seedlings
- Succulents
- Boston ferns
- Bamboo palms
When adding plants to your home, keep in mind that one is better than none. Taking care of a plant requires a little bit of research and attention. Hence, it is important to practice mindfulness when taking care of a plant. Connecting to the plant is just like connecting to others, even though this living thing does not verbalize wants and needs. It is up to you to take care of it so it flourishes. This is similar to the process of healing and recovery.
Taking Care of Yourself at The Guest House
There is no better place to take care of yourself than at The Guest House. Nestled in 52 acres of scenic views, The Guest House connects you with a sense of renewal and the freedom to be yourself. There are an array of ways to practice connection at The Guest House. Every one of the staff members will meet you right where you are at and never force you to be anything other than you.
We understand that taking care of yourself is hard. At The Guest House, from the moment you walk through the door, our job is to meet you right where you are at in your journey. We will never force you to be anything you do not want to be. Instead, we will encourage you to be all that you are capable of being. It has been said that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Let us be your ticket to a journey of freedom in recovery.
Taking care of plants can be an essential part of taking care of yourself. You have come a long way and deserve to be pampered and to recognize your worth. Taking care of yourself can seem overwhelming and exhausting. At The Guest House, we understand this. Recognizing what you need can be hard. Admitting your needs to others can be even harder. Let us help lead the way. If you or someone you know is struggling with taking care of themselves in recovery, please wait no more and call (855) 483-7800. Our mission to guide others to grow into the best versions of themselves. We are waiting for your call!