As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, 12-18 May 2025, it's a timely opportunity to reflect on the small but powerful ways we can support our mental wellbeing — both at work and in our daily lives. One of the simplest yet most impactful tools? Plants.

From a potted peace lily on your desk to a full-scale green wall in an office lobby, the presence of greenery has been shown to benefit our mental health significantly. Whether in the form of houseplants at home or carefully designed interior landscaping in shared spaces, plants do more than brighten a room — they help us feel calmer, more focused, and better connected to the world around us.

The Science Behind the Plants

Multiple studies have confirmed that incorporating natural elements into our surroundings can lead to:

• Reduced stress and anxiety A study by Lohr et al. (1996) found that indoor plants significantly lowered stress responses in office workers — especially in windowless environments.  This study found that workers in environments with indoor plants experienced lower stress and performed tasks more efficiently compared to those without plants. The researchers concluded that interior plants help to create more psychologically supportive environments, especially in spaces lacking natural light. 

• Improved mood and wellbeing A 2023 review in Environmental Health Perspectives highlights that interaction with plants contributes to positive mood and emotional regulation (Bratman et al., 2023). This paper offers a comprehensive review of how exposure to natural environments—including green infrastructure and indoor plants—can reduce risks of anxiety, depression, and cognitive fatigue. It frames nature as an essential service for public mental health and wellbeing, calling for its intentional inclusion in urban and interior design. 

• Enhanced productivity and focus The Journal of Physiological Anthropology published findings showing that viewing plants can improve task performance and attention, reducing fatigue and increasing engagement (Lee et al., 2015). In a randomised crossover study, participants who interacted with indoor plants during a break showed significant reductions in blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system activity. This suggests that even short time spend with plants can provide restorative mental and physiological effects. 

• Increased life satisfaction A study from Science Advances found that exposure to natural elements, even indoors, correlates with higher reported life satisfaction and lower psychological distress (White et al., 2019). This large-scale study involving over 20,000 participants found that people who spent at least two hours a week in natural settings reported significantly better physical and mental health. While focused on outdoor nature exposure, the findings support the broader value of integrating natural elements into daily routines — including interior spaces.

Practical Steps for Every Space

• At Work: Add small, low-maintenance plants like pothos or sansevieria to your desk. Lobby or breakout areas? Consider vertical green walls or large planters for shared wellness benefits. 

• At Home: Incorporate houseplants in living spaces, kitchens, or even bedrooms. Caring for a plant, even briefly, creates a mindful moment that can ground and soothe. 

• In Shared Spaces: Interior landscaping in schools, hospitals, and public buildings offers a collective boost to mental health and wellbeing.

A Simple Way to Show You Care

During Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s acknowledge the role our surroundings play in how we feel. Introducing or nurturing greenery — at home, at work, or anywhere in between — is an easy and affordable step toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Sometimes, all it takes to feel better is to bring a little bit of nature indoors.