RESEARCH

Promoting Adult Health: The Neurophysiological Benefits of Watering Plants and Engaging in Mental Tasks within Designed Environments

The study revealed that after watering plants, the participants showed a significant decrease in both their systolic (p = 0.01) and diastolic (p = 0.04) blood pressure compared to after the mental task. Furthermore, the participants who watered plants had significantly higher mean power unit values for high alpha brainwaves (28326.92 ± 2956.05) compared to those doing the mental task (23618.74 ± 2501.16; p = 0.004), indicating greater relaxation.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Students

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This research looked at whether the simple act of watering indoor plants could help people relax, both mentally and physically. The study was done because many people today spend a lot of time indoors and don’t get much physical activity or connection with nature, which can be bad for their health and well-being. To investigate this, researchers in China recruited 50 college students aged 20 to 21. The students were divided into two groups. One group watered indoor plants for 15 minutes, while the other group did a computer-based writing task for the same amount of time. The writing task was chosen as a comparison because it’s a common activity that requires focus.

During these 15-minute tasks, the researchers measured the students’ bodies and minds in a few ways. They used an EEG headset to track their brainwave activity and a blood pressure monitor to measure their blood pressure and pulse rate. Before and after the tasks, the students also filled out questionnaires to rate their anxiety and how they were feeling. The study took place in a quiet, temperature-controlled room with some greenery. By comparing the measurements of the two groups during and after their tasks, the researchers could see if watering plants had a different effect than doing a mental task.

Link

Hassan, A., & Deshun, Z. (2023). Promoting adult health: The neurophysiological benefits of watering plants and engaging in mental tasks within designed environments. BMC Psychology, 11(1), 310

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