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LIFESTYLE

The Green Life Therapy

Words: Ma. Lourdes B. Murillo

There are many adjectives that can be used to describe a plant. Luscious, green, flowering, withered, leafy, succulent…  In 2020, when the world has been struck by a catastrophic pandemic, another adjective sounded perfect in describing plants, and it’s the word therapeutic.

 

The Green Life as a Defense

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There is no denying that plants have become a big part of quarantined life for some of us. Of all the things that can trend, why does this green life occupy space on our social media accounts and television shows while we are all stuck at home? So many of us have turned to taking care of plants as a way of coping against all the negative emotions. Here are few reasons why:

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Plants Can Reduce our Stress Level 

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Some plants can help purify the air of irritants that can impact our respiratory system and could trigger feelings of anxiety and stress. Some can also serve as a humidifier and helps us have better air to breathe that would therefore ease up any anxious thoughts.

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Plants Reminds us to Relax and Stay Calm

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Some plants have a very nice aromatic effect. They also have a gentle and delicate appearance. Therefore, looking and just simply breathing in plants has healthy effects for someone who might be feeling overwhelmed to be calm and somehow decrease anxiety.

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Plants Help in Boosting Creativity

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Having mental breakdowns can make us feel unproductive, but not when plants are around. One good thing about plants is, its owners can choose from a variety of colors. For instance, a flower in color red will increase a person’s creativity. You can also have them in whatever arrangement you would like. Also, being creative can also help you be productive.

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Plants Lessen the Feeling of Loneliness

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Plants are also very similar to how pets can make us feel less lonely. Having a plant at home makes us feel needed care. You water them, bring them in an area where sunlight shines, or even talk to them if you want.

 

Surviving in Whatever Means

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Who would have thought that simply having a plant at home could have great effects in our mental health as most of us experience breakdown and some kind of self-evaluation?

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This proves that even the simplest of things can help us survive any circumstances we face.

 

So, if you are someone who is having a hard time, give some green life a chance to help you survive everyday life. Lavenders, Roses, Lilacs, Basils, Leafy Greens, Sweet Potato Vines - these are just a few of the many plants who have not just beautiful names but also a beautiful effect on our minds and general well-being.

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Starting Your Green Life Journey

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Now that we have known what benefits we can get from plants, perhaps, I might be able to persuade you into getting started with experiencing your own green life journey.

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Starting out with something is always the hardest part.  But here’s the thing, being a plantita/plantito is kind of similar to having kids or pets around. 

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Good thing there are a few tips that we can gather to guide you with the adjustments. We all need a guideline in starting out with something!

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First off, we should know that the basic needs of plants include water, nutrients, and space. 

Watering your plants

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Water is something that you cannot separate from when it comes to plants. It is something that makes them alive, it fuels their system. 

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The greatest thing that we must take note of when watering is that we should focus on the root zone. Remember that it is the roots that needs water and not the leaves. 

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Give them the right nutrients

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Plants need nutrients that are similar with what humans and animals need.  These nutrients include potassium that is important for roots and seed production, calcium that strengthens tissues, and also magnesium that would help plants have a healthy green color. 

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Just like humans, feed plants with the right nutrients that they need to be able for them to have that healthy growth.

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Provide Space

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Most people would have a very spacious location intended for their plants; they are the people capable of having a garden at home. But for most of us, we don’t have that much space. But upon deciding to commit yourself into taking care of plants, it is just right to provide a space in your home for them.

 

They can fit in anywhere, be it in the living room or somewhere around your dining, they can totally fit in.

 

Besides that, they are also pleasing and warm to the eyes which makes providing space easier.

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