Stress Management: What About Some Plants?

I know last month was Stress Awareness month, however, you may still be dealing with some stress in your life. Nearly everybody struggles with stress, especially at work. If the office is sterile and the air is stale, it might be a struggle to find some stress relief.

Recently on LinkedIn I posted an article entitled, “Twenty Scientifically Backed Ways to De-Stress Right now” written by Meredith Melnick. In the article she reminds us that the stress response of “fight or flight” helped our ancestors escape from predators and dangerous situations. Now the stress response is slowly killing us.

A couple of her stress relief strategies had to do with plants. She recommends getting a houseplant. Plants aren’t just beautiful air purifiers, they can actually help you calm down. Researchers have found that being around plants can induce a relaxation response. One study found that a group of stressed-out people who entered a room full of plants enjoyed a four-point drop in their blood pressure.

The other plant-related stress management strategy in the article recommended eating a banana or a potato. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure. People find that eating a banana or a potato when they’re feeling stressed, improves energy and recovery.

If you happen to have plenty of natural light in your office, consider getting a plant or two.

I grew up on a farm and was surrounded by corn, soybeans, alfalfa, trees, and gardens. I sometimes forget how positive it was for me. I can smell that sweet country air already. Get yourself some, too. Get a plant or two and relieve some stress today.

If your organization is struggling with stress, contact me at kit@seminarsonstress.com and I will deliver a speech or seminar on stress management that will provide dozens of options to handle stress.

If you need to find a keynote speaker, plenary speaker, breakout speaker, concurrent session speaker, seminar leader, or workshop facilitator who can deliver in-person, virtually, or via prerecorded session, Kit Welchlin, M.A., CSP, CVP, is a nationally recognized professional motivational speaker and author and can be found at www.welchlin.com or www.SeminarsOnStress.com.