Do you go through times when you feel stuck, unmotivated and underwhelmed? That’s okay, many people do.

The root of getting stuck can often be traced to the clutter that has built up in and around our lives, whether that be mental, physical or both.

When a plant grows it needs space and we do, too. So get rid of the stale soil which is the clutter and renew your pot by bringing nature into your life.

Making a conscious effort to de-clutter and work towards a clean and uncluttered work environment helps us to break free and grow. It gives us new energy and a sense of relief. That, in turn, brings us freedom and new motivation.

De-cluttering is just one step to re-energizing your office space, the next is something so simple, you’ll wonder why everyone isn’t doing it.

The Magic

That magical step is to add plants and flowers to your environment. By replacing clutter with something positive that’s alive, energizing, and green allows us to lift our mood, allows us to thrive and the benefits aren’t just aesthetic or homely.

Plants and flowers are universally known to help in reducing our levels of stress, increase our productivity and make for a better environment to work in.

Studies And Research

There have been numerous studies and research to prove these facts and they even attach numbers and percentages on those benefits, which include statistics like fewer days off, higher productivity and generally happier employees. So the main takeaway from all of these studies is that plants and flowers definitely have a positive impact on the people that work surrounded by them, as opposed to the people working in a lackluster, depressing or stale environment, often called ‘sick-building syndrome’.

You can’t put a price on the benefits of a healthy environment, but companies that are including plants and flowers into their spaces don’t need convincing as they’re seeing their results flourish and bloom in revenue and dollars.

One of the best examples of these benefits can be read in a well-cited scientific study of the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, in relation to the impact of plants and people. The study concluded that the main factor accounting for their high occupancy rate compared to other hotels was due to a significant investment in their ‘plant scaping’ and their use of plants as a significant design element in various parts of the hotel, which differentiated them from their competition. Consequently, a higher revenue from above-average room occupancy was found.

Bringing a bit of nature indoors really isn’t that hard and you don’t have to think as big as the Opryland Hotel to enjoy the benefits. Hotels, interior designers, stylists, and photographers all know the positive effect on perception and one thing for sure is the biggest benefits are health and cost.

You may be surprised to know that the cost of adding plants and flowers is often more economical than the other choices available for upgrading and renovating office décor. So why not give it a try and get started with a few plants.

Karen’s Top 5 Plant Suggestions For Re-energizing Your Office Space

1. Jade Plant, also known as Crassula ovata, is ideal for growing indoors. It grows like a miniature tree with a little trunk and branches, similar to a bonsai. It’s a succulent, so its leaves retain water, which is excellent news if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option.

2. Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema with its attractive leathery leaves can tolerate low light and are known to remove toxins from the air.

3. Fittonia is cute and attractive with delicately veined leaves. They’re often referred to as a Mosaic plant. The benefit of Fittonias is that they can survive and thrive well under artificial light and they come in a variety of shades.

4. Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum, with its lush green foliage can survive in darker spaces and is quite low maintenance. The benefit of choosing this plant is that they have flowers, too. Keep them blooming with a little intervention from plant hormones readily available at any garden centre.

5. Phalaenopsis Orchids – although appearing delicate are actually very hardy and are always a hit as they come in a variety of colours and can stay in bloom for a few months. They look regal and elegant, show taste, and are good eye candy. A little maintenance will be required in the form of re-potting when they go out of bloom so they can grow new roots and leaves in preparation for the next stunning flower spikes.

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Written by Amber Valencia
_{Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image Credit: white room with sofa. 3d illustration from Shutterstock}

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