HEALTH BENEFITS OF HAVING A PLANT AT YOUR WORKPLACE

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Some plants are so beautiful enough to keep us company all day. Having a plant indoors seems to be trending these days. Most indoor plant lovers I've interacted with use it for the purposes of decoration, while they are unaware of the health benefits. Many others do not have any idea about the history of house plants. Let me begin with that.

House plants or indoor plants have been a part of home decoration for centuries. The origin of house plants dates as far back as the time of ancient Egypt, where the great pyramids reigned. Ancient Egyptians usually decorated their homes with plants. Also, displaying plants in containers was a major feature of Egyptian art. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used house plants. They built their homes with a central atrium of containerized plants.

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When Europe was still being discovered, most of the explorers found new tropical treasures which did not survive the harsh climate of Europe, so they brought them indoors. Dr. Nathaniel Ward in 1833 developed a glass case to transport plants in the Victorian era. He did this to curtail the death of plants during transit from their area of discovery to where to be planted. Gradually, plants were introduced into homes.

Having a plant at workplace or at home is something everyone should embrace. It has numerous physical and psychological benefits. This claim is backup by scientific studies. Here are some health benefits of going green in your workplace;

*STRESS RELIEVE

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Research has shown that the presence of greens in the workplace plays a major role in stress reduction. Plants beautify the environment. This beauty has a soothing and calming effect on the mind. They are colorful, interesting and relaxing. Having plants in your workplace does not only impact psychological benefits (stress relieve), but also have physiological benefits as well. A good example is lowered blood pressure. With a plant in your office, you will be more productive. The greenery makes you feel more at ease with your surroundings. There's this awesome quietness around your workplace, which also helps to yield productivity.

• AIR PURIFICATION
  
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  It is well known that plants unlike humans make use of carbon IV oxide for their metabolic needs. In return, they release oxygen into the atmosphere. Maintaining a ratio of 1 plant per 3 employees can improve air quality in the office. The concentration of carbon IV oxide may be reduced to as low as 50%. This plays a role in air purification. And you'd agree with me that there's nothing as soothing as breathing fresh air in your cubicle. By purifying the air, the quality of life is improved. Scientists have come to the conclusion, that apart from purifying the air, having plants in your workspace can also fight the modern phenomenon of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Poor air quality is the primary cause of SBS.

*REDUCED NOISE

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Do you know that plants can reduce noise? Yes! It may not be well known but it is a fact. Plants have the ability to reduce ambient noise within an office, as much as 5 decibels. With a plant in your office, those nauseating background noises will be reduced and this will aid in productivity. According to a report on ambius.com, Peter Costa, a postgraduate student at South Bank University, London, found that certain plants are particularly good at absorbing high frequencies.

*INCREASED CREATIVITY

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A study has shown that having plants in your workplace can increase creativity as much as 15%. Minor illness is also reduced by over 25%. When employees are present at their workplace, there will be a surge in productivity and a reduction in the cost of absence year by year.

Finally, having plants at work provides a better place for you to work. The environment will be nicer. With plants in your office, you'll be happier with your workplace and at work. This will also provide a more welcoming place for clients.

WHICH PLANTS DO I PLACE IN MY OFFICE?
I guess you may have this question come across your mind. Well, this is it. A few factors may affect your choice of plants. Such factors include environmental conditions such as temperature and air conditioning. Plants that will thrive in an office environment include:

1. Peace lily
2. Rubber plant
3. Cactus
4. Succulents
5. Aloe
6. Spider plants

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Thank you for reading.