Are you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed? Worry no more because the secret to a calmer mind is hiding around your garden.

Mental health issues are common globally, with one in eight people suffering from them. So you are not alone in this! The good news is that the solution is all around, with nature. Whenever I feel stressed, I go for a nature walk. The fresh air caresses my skin, and the aroma from different plants always has a healing effect. You should try it, too.

But do plants make any difference to your mental health? Here, we dig deep to uncover how you can use plants as your allies against stress, anxiety, and depression. Tag along as we explore why adding some green to your scene is your only natural solution to your mental health.

Before we discuss these supernatural plants, let's first know why bringing the outdoors in can be such a game-changer for your emotional well-being.

1. Natural stress relievers- Many plants are known to release phytoncides, which are natural compounds that can reduce stress hormones and boost mood.

2. Air Purification- Many plants excel at cleaning the air by taking in carbon dioxide and providing oxygen, which is good for our mental health.

3. Mindful Care- Taking care of plants is meditative and helps to calm racing thoughts and reduce anxiety.

4. Visual Therapy- Simply looking at plants and nature scenes has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

5. Now that we have covered the 'why,' what plants should you adopt for mental health benefits in your home?

Lavender, commonly termed the anxiety antidote, is not just for grandma's potpourri anymore; it is a powerhouse for calming the mind. Lavender has a soothing scent which has been shown to:

Reduce anxiety levels

Improve sleep quality

Help in stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure

For sweet dreams and nighttime anxiety, put a pot of lavender on your nightstand; it works magic.

The snake plant is another plant that promotes mental health as an excellent air purifier. Do not let the name scare you; we all hate snakes, but the snake plant is a real gem. In case green turns you off, this plant is for you. Aside from being an air purifier, this plant is friendly to plant beginners as it requires very little care, and its appearance always boosts feelings of well-being.

Have you ever heard of aloe vera skin care? Well, guess what? This plant is also your mental health ally. Like most mental health plants, aloe vera is a friendly plant that is easy to take care of, giving you a sense of accomplishment and a good start to mental health. Aloe vera has air-purifying properties that soothe your brain and keep it come alongside many other health benefits.

Fourth on our list is the scented peppermint. With peppermint, procrastination is a goner as it helps you focus and concentrate for a long time. Chewing peppermint leaves reduces stress and anxiety, making it a must-have in your plant correction. This plant is a real mental pick-me-up, easy to grow regardless of your space. You can even place it on your working desk

Peace is where mental health thrives. And to speak of serenity, this plant should never lack on your shelves. Be it in the kitchen, bedroom window, or on your reading table, peace lily is your beautiful air purifier that creates elegance and a sense of calmness. For stress-free plant parenting, Peace Lily!

Knowing some of the best plants for mental health is not enough; knowing how and how to use them is the best place to get started. Here is how to hit the ground with your new leafy besties.

1. Start small- the magic of accomplishing anything is to start small and at your current position, similarly to mental health plants. Start with one of the plants and build your portfolio of plants as you proceed.

2. Create a Green Corner- starting with your chosen plant, designate a special area in your home for the plants and make it a relaxing spot.

3. Practice plant mindfulness – develop a habit of spending a few minutes each day caring for your plants and using it as a time for meditation and reflection.

4. Engage your senses- finally, ensure you choose plants with different textures, scents, and colors to create a multi-sensory experience.

Plants play a major role in society in ensuring that we are mentally stable; however, it is very important to remember that they are just one piece of the pie. If you are dealing with persistent feelings of depression or anxiety, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help. This is because combining more approaches with the natural benefits of plants can create a holistic strategy for better mental health. Start the journey to a mental health life by planting your first plant now!