Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is not something to ignore. It affects millions of people over the fall and winter months, particularly in regions where daily sunlight levels are low. Long nights and this reduced sunlight, combined with messy, cold, and dangerous weather, can put even the most joyful person into a gloomy mood. Most of us living in Ontario spend much of our time indoors as temperatures plummet and we become more selective about where we drive and what we are willing to do outside.
While it’s normal to feel a little sluggish over the winter months, there are some tell-tale signs you might be suffering from a winter-pattern SAD, many of which mirror symptoms of depressive disorders. You may experience the following:
Thankfully there are ways to pull yourself from these winter woes and feel connected to life again when nature is slumbering softly. Aside from maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, make houseplants your new BFF’s this winter!
It’s true–plants as therapy, and we have the science behind it! Growing and caring for houseplants has been scientifically proven to remedy many of the symptoms of not just winter blues, but of depression as well. Growing houseplants in the winter could be the best thing for your mental health, but why?
Getting started with houseplants over the winter can be daunting, especially if you aren’t feeling motivated. There are many winter houseplants that grow happily indoors over the winter and don’t require huge amounts of care. Many of our favourites are also fun to look at and brighten any cold winter day with cool patterns and funky textures.
Here is a list of plants you should try:
Keeping the air in your home clean during the winter is extra important as windows are staying closed and allergens, bacteria, and odours are harder to eliminate. These houseplants not only pump out oxygen but also work hard to rid the air of pollutants, mould spores, and other harmful toxins:
One of the best ways plants are great at busting winter gloom is by taking our attention away from the dismal winter atmosphere. Tending to plants regularly, whether watering them, talking to them, or simply admiring their natural beauty, immediately reminds us of the inherent magic of the natural world and forces us to focus on right now. If you want to live happily ever after this winter, take the time to get to know your plants and notice how they work with the seasons the way we were all intended to do. Humans too, need to winter, and plants can be some pretty solid companions for our personal dormant seasons.
Our team at Royal City Nursery knows all about the positive effects of plants on well-being, and would be happy to help you find some houseplants to combat the winter gloomies. With the right care, you can grow many houseplants over the winter in Ontario and give your mood a boost while doing it!
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