House Plants a Stress Buster

Indoor Plants can Bust Workplace Tension with a Green Stocking Stuffer!

Two-thirds of full-time workers across the nation say they experience stress in the workplace around the holidays. This according to a recent random sampling of 600 full-time workers at Accenture HR Services. Almost a quarter of the workers surveyed expressed that they have taken at least one day off in the past because of holiday stress.

Why All this Stress During the Holidays?

There are gifts to buy (house plants are a gift option) and time is running out. Your kids need extra time and care because they’re out of school. Then there are the holiday parties you’re obligated to attend but still need to do your grocery shopping. You planned to take a day off from work but several of your colleagues beat you to the punch – they already scheduled vacations or called in sick with the holiday shopping flu.

As for the major causes of holiday stress, 54 percent cited finding the time to shop for gifts, while 41 percent mentioned keeping up with day-to-day responsibilities. It’s no wonder then that the holiday season – with its merry “To Do” list – can lead us to a state of “extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain;” The American Heritage Dictionary’s apt definition of “stress.”

Boost the workplace greenery and reduce workplace stress levels this upcoming season—who knows, you may even put the “Happy” back in your “Holidays.”

“Greening” as a Stress Buster

Having plants inside does not just affect the indoor climate. Researchers have discovered that “seeing” greenery can result in a demonstrable reduction in stress within five minutes. Research in the Netherlands has shown that people who spend more than four hours a day working at a computer monitor feel better and are more productive with plants in the workplace! So this Holiday season keep a plant at your desk, and maybe buy one for the Scrooge down the hall.

Also Try the Following:

• Limit intake of caffeine, sugar and alcohol (stressors)
• Stay close to your live green plants. They reduce systolic blood pressure within five seconds of exposure.
• Increase your nutritional supplements.
• Do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. A brisk walk out doors, workouts, swimming, yoga stretching, dancing, sports, Tai Chi etc.
• Take several 5 minute centered breathing breaks a day. Try relaxation visualizations to soft music.
• Scheduled pamper time. Massages, a facial, or hot bath.
• Get extra sleep and take naps whenever possible.

Related Articles Of Interest:

• House Plants Gifts and Holidays
• Move Indoor Plants With Caution – Beware of Winter Plant Light
• Indoor Plants as Gifts – Orchids, Bromeliads, palms
• Hearty House Plants – Injured By Neglect