Try these easy indoor gardening tips to help you stay healthy & happy all winter long!

The depths of winter can often leave us feeling depressed, lacking in energy, and just plain “blah.” If you’ve got the winter blues (or blahs), some evidence shows that indoor gardening may help!

Studies have found that having live plants in your living space can reduce stress, improve mood and boost energy, and even increase creativity. And that’s not all. Houseplants can also improve indoor air quality, reducing allergens and air pollutants, and raising humidity levels.  (Increased humidity levels have been found to reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses.)

And, according to this article,

Scientists have discovered a microbe in soil called Mycobacterium vaccae that is believed to be a natural antidepressant. You breathe in M. vaccae while working in the soil – through activities like repotting houseplants or cutting back dead leaves – and it triggers the release of the feel-good hormone serotonin, an ingredient in antidepressant medications.

Aside from the boost of serotonin that comes from working in the dirt, caring for houseplants also promotes mindfulness. You must be in tune with the plant, recognizing when it needs more (or less) water or light, when has outgrown its current pot, or when it is not healthy for other reasons.

There are lots of ways to incorporate plants into your living space – no matter your living arrangements. You can place a few houseplants on a sunny windowsill, grow an indoor salad or herb garden, or try a whimsical fairy garden. You can even set up a water garden in an old aquarium or terrarium – or try growing a few herbs using a small aquaponic or hydroponic system. Succulents or bonsais are attractive, low-maintenance choices if you don’t have a lot of time to devote to your indoor garden.

Whether you choose fragrant herbs for your kitchen windowsill, creative fairy or water gardens, or vibrant potted plants, there are so many benefits to having plants in your home!

This infographic shares some tips for setting up your own indoor garden to help you stay healthy and happy all winter long:

Source: Fix.com Blog