From miniature succulents all the way to expansive forests, greenery is everywhere in our lives! Parking lots, living rooms, and even office spaces are often decorated with simple flower arrangements or garden oases to add some vibrant color to daily life. The benefits of house plants are numerous, especially when it comes to maintaining our mental, emotional, and social well-being.

A study explained in an article by Psychology Today found that the participants who immersed themselves in a natural environment such as a park or conservatory "were better able to focus and concentrate on a test of their working memory". Experiencing writer's block? Greenery can clear your mind of unnecessary clutter and improve memory retention for that upcoming test or paper.

House plants double as decorations and mood boosters! A study conducted by four San Francisco Bay Area hospitals determined that "79 percent of patients said they felt more relaxed and calm, 19 percent felt more positive, and 25 percent felt refreshed and stronger after spending time in a garden." The act of taking care of a live plant can provide a sense of control in life and an outlet to break away from all that computer blue light. Life providing life enriches your mind and creates a special bond between person and plant.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Nature walks help those suffering from anxiety and depression find remission from symptoms, and you don't have to go far from campus for a change of scenery! The Arboretum at Penn State, located at E Park Avenue & Bigler Road in State College, offers a sanctuary to slow a busy mind and reduce stress levels.

Narcissus 'Juanita' flowerThe Arboretum at Penn State

Even if you own a faux succulent, it breathes new life into practically any space...literally! People who had exposure to greenery through a window or by owning a plant saw a decrease in their allergy symptoms compared to others with no access to outdoor spaces, according to published research in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.

Succulents have become extremely popular with students because of their low maintenance and simple style. College life moves pretty fast, so remembering to water live plants can be strenuous. Faux succulents come in all shapes and sizes and mix and match friendly. Each succulent has individuality, making it easy to satisfy various aesthetics.

These succulent planter magnets from The Container Store are an essential decoration that conserves shelf space while adding a pop of greenery to a fridge or magnetized whiteboard!

The Container Store

Greenery can even be a conversation starter! Take these terracotta pot planter bookends from Amazon for example. They are completely customizable which means that you can purchase live or faux plants to create thousands of looks for a dorm or apartment. Anyone looking for unique décor that grows with you will love this touch of creativity and want to know more about your décor!

Amazon

Decorative vines are another greenery option and have recently exploded in popularity and are rapidly replacing the tapestry fad. Instead of having a couple of plants, why not fill an entire wall! Just add some twinkle lights and BAM! It softens the room with a perfect cozy glow.

Photo by tapestrygirls.com on Pinterest

Keep in mind just how versatile greenery can be as you finalize those decorating plans! Maintaining proper mental health is extremely important in 2020. No matter if you prefer succulents or flowers, greenery gives renewed vitality to you and the place you call home.