FEATURE – Here in Southern Utah, we enjoy mild winters and big, open skies. Nevertheless, with shorter days and colder temperatures keeping us indoors, many find themselves feeling stuck in the doldrums of winter. These feelings can range from mild gloominess to the more serious seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, we find ourselves in the middle of cold and flu season, and often in a thin state of recovery from the madcap whirl of the holiday season now past.
It’s easy to overlook the effects our living and work areas have on our emotional well-being. Take a moment to think about where you spend your time indoors and what elements are contained therein that actually feed into your sense of comfort, inspiration or good health.
If you could use an extra boost to get you through the winter months, consider the wisdom of ancient Mesopotamia and Persia. Both cultures practiced the use of designing gardens indoors and out to please, pacify and nourish the senses. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even the introduction of a single plant will add to your enjoyment of any room.
Focus on finding plants whose colors, textures or fragrances speak to you and begin your interaction with the restorative benefits of horticultural therapy. Some of my indoor favorites that thrive in almost any space and require little care are orchids, lilyturf, bromeliads and peace lilies.
Research is replete with examples of how plants positively affect our mood, cognitive abilities, stress levels and even improve our immune system response. So ward off those winter blues with a little plant love!
Written by Niki Warner for St. George Health and Wellness magazine and St. George News.
Warner is the co-founder and CEO of Botanicals, Inc. She is a master gardener, fourth-generation greenhouse grower and self-described plant geek.
St. George Health and Wellness
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Copyright St. George News, StGeorgeUtah.com Inc. and St. George Health and Wellness magazine, 2014, all rights reserved.
Love plants, they really do get me through winter…and more in life! Good article