I’m ROOTing for You

Plants are a great way dress up any room and make your home feel cozy, but they also can benefit our mental health and physical health in many ways. They freshen the air, brighten our spaces, spark creativity, and are a great reminder of self-care. Tending to plants forces you to be present in the moment and can have a major calming effect as you get lost in mindfulness which is a very helpful practice for coping with anxiety and stress. Researchers have found that people who surround themselves with plants and other forms of nature, experience emotional and mental health benefits that have a positive impact on their environmental, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Just a few of the many benefits plants offer to our lives are:

–Lowers levels of anxiety. Nature helps us be present in the moment and helps us recover from mental fatigue and clear our minds. Frequently seeing and being around plants helps people feel calmer and more relaxed, helping decrease levels of anxiety.

-They remind you to keep moving. Different plants have different needs which makes you learn what works best for them. This means you may find yourself moving around figuring out how to give them more sunlight, dusting their leaves, watering them, etc.

–Reduces stress and boosts mood. Caring for plants suppresses sympathetic nervous system activity and promotes nurturing, natural, relaxed, and comfortable feelings. Taking care of your plants is a great way to focus on the little things and ground yourself.

-They show us that our actions have power. Seeing genuine results from your own actions is very healthy. If you are feeling down, it can feel like there are many things outside of your control. Taking care of a plant can show us that we do have some control and that our actions do matter and give a purpose.

-They remind us of self-care. It might sound silly but sometimes we may notice a plant is wilting or the soil is dry and forgot to water it. This is a good reminder to also take care of yourself. It gives us a glimpse into how we are handling our own responsibilities and working toward improved mental health is a process that deserves your attention and care, just like plants.

We share some of the same requirements to thrive like plants do. Some self-care tips that work for humans and plants are staying hydrated, getting fresh air and sunlight, knowing that it is possible to perk up after you wilt, allowing yourself to have seasons, tidying up your environment, giving yourself the right conditions to thrive in, and making sure you are getting the proper nutrients. If you are new to the plant world, some plants that are easier to take care of and less maintenance are Peace Lily, Palms, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Aloe, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Cacti or Succulents, and Monstera plants.

Tiffany Dahir, Assistant Director for The Kim Foundation

Tiffany Dahir is the Assistant Director of The Kim Foundation. She received her Master’s Degree in Organizational Performance in 2018 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management in 2013, both from Bellevue University. She has worked for The Kim Foundation since January 2020. Her previous experience through her work and volunteering includes marketing, event planning, fundraising, I.T., and operations. Tiffany’s role at The Kim Foundation includes daily office operations, marketing, coordinating event logistics and employee relations.