You may have noticed recently that some of the healthiest and happiest individuals in the world are ones who surround themselves with nature. Not only do these people head outside to relax and exercise regularly, but they also bring plants indoors to decorate their homes.

Scattering live plants around the house certainly makes it look pretty, but plants’ benefits go far beyond their looks. Keeping plants inside your home can also provide numerous health benefits.

Reduce stress

There’s something so soothing about greenery and blossoming flowers, but this feeling is actually backed by science. Studies show that people who view plants indoors experience less stress and have a calmer state of mind overall. Plants can also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

In fact, some experts say that viewing a live plant immediately after waking up can put you in a good mood for the rest of the day! Other studies show that both children and adults are more productive and have an easier time concentrating when surrounded by greenery.

Better air quality

The cycle of the air we breathe relies on thriving, living plants because they form oxygen from our breathing by-product, carbon dioxide. When more plants are present in the home, they exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen and help regulate moisture content, resulting in more fresh air for you.

Plants can even help reduce the levels of airborne dusts and pollutants in your home; studies show that plants can remove up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air per day. These substances can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease and even strokes. When plants pull these substances from the air, they trap them in the soil, where microorganisms can turn them into beneficial nutrients for the plant. Plants are one of the best ways to get rid of VOCs that would otherwise stay trapped in your home, so what you will be breathing in will be cleaner than ever.

Improve general wellbeing

Plants have a mysterious way of helping the body heal faster. Studies have shown that sick or hospitalized individuals feel better when their rooms have plants in them. Patients experienced lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety and pain and better healing.

Additionally, the higher humidity levels associated with plants have been known to prevent the spread and reproduction of viruses like the flu, meaning you have a lower chance of getting sick if you’re around plants.

Get better sleep

Plants are able to be used to reduce noise from around the house or from outside. The plants’ leaves can retract or absorb some noise, reducing volume and making the rooms they are in quieter. This may reduce your stress levels, if noise is a consistent factor in your stress. It can also create a more peaceful sleeping environment to ensure you get better sleep each night—something that everyone needs to stay healthy.

Additionally, if you purchase plants like lavender or jasmine and place them in your bedroom, the plants can release calming scents that are typically used in aromatherapy and can help you sleep more peacefully.

Increase humidity

Plants release moisture into the rooms you place them in thanks to their photosynthesis processes. This can be extremely helpful for people with respiratory problems like asthma. Higher humidity levels inside the home can also reduce dry or sore throats caused by your region’s climate or during winter when air gets drier.

Gain a purpose

For some people, having a simple task to do each day helps get them up and moving. Taking care of plants can give you a mental purpose, since you’re responsible for keeping a living thing alive. Watering, pruning or rotating your plants can help calm you down in times of stress and ease anxiety or depression.

Add a variety of plants to your home this year

One of the best things about taking care of plants is that there are practically no negative aspects of them. They merely require water and sunlight each day, and they can’t cause you harm. For these reasons, they are low-maintenance but offer many benefits.

If you’re looking for a simple way to decorate your home while improving the quality of your life, add a plant or two in each room. Not only will you have beautiful things to look at throughout the day, but you’ll be able to take advantage of happier thoughts, less stress, increased humidity and better air quality, too!