Is it any wonder South Africans have stress seeping out of their pores? Soaring fuel prices, load shedding, and a climbing repo rate have left many of us scrounging around in the dark for extra cash.
But hey, even when everything is falling apart around us, we can still rely on Mother Nature to hug our worries away.
According to numerous studies, there are a range of benefits that come with turning your home into the perfect green space, including reduced stress levels and boosted productivity.
So, which plants should you be scooping up the next time you head to your local plant nursery? Here are a few options:
Aloe Vera
Cape Town has had its own heatwave once or twice over the years, and you’ve likely smothered yourself in aloe vera soothing lotion after one too many hours tanning on Clifton Beach. It’s considered a super plant when tending to the ailments of the body, and it has the ability to clear the air of pollutants which aids in keeping your home fresh!

Lavender
Summer months can be brutal; not just because of the heat, but the plethora of flies that seem to pop up. Lavender is a great plant to include in your home if you’re looking to get rid of these pesky critters, but even more important, it’s a great way to relieve anxiety and stress. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pillow for a good night’s sleep.

Snake Plant
Adding a snake plant to your growing indoor garden is a great addition if you don’t really have a green thumb. It’s low maintenance and usually releases oxygen at night, which comes as a benefit because bad quality sleep is usually due to low oxygen. So, this is your sign to add a few to your bedroom.

Rubber Tree
A fresh home is a stress-free home. Clearing out toxins go a long way in making sure you feel calmer, and adding a rubber tree will do the trick. Who needs an expensive air purifier anyway? This super plant helps to eliminate toxins and purify the air and is a great addition if you’re working from home or looking to escape from the outside world.

Peace Lily
The name says it all, the Peace Lily is as beautiful as it is hardworking. This gorgeous plant helps to eliminate benzene and formaldehyde in the air which has the ability to cause health issues in people. The evidence is backed up by a NASA study and is a plant that’s known to be incredible for reducing anxiety and various forms of headaches when it blooms.

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Picture: Unsplash