Adding ivy to a college dorm room may reduce stress and anxiety in students, according to new research by the University of Waikato in New Zealand. The study, which assigned 101 students to rooms with or without plants, monitored participants for six weeks. Those with ivy reported a 34% reduction in stress and anxiety compared with those without. Ivy was chosen because it is easy to care for and removes air pollutants, potentially contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Indoor plants have previously been shown to improve air quality, productivity and reduce physical symptoms.
New Study Shows Ivy Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety in College Students
According to a new study, adding indoor plants like ivy to a college dorm room can reduce stress and anxiety in students. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, found that students who had plants in their dorm room reported lower levels of stress and anxiety.
The Study
The study involved 101 students who were randomly assigned to rooms with plants or without plants. The students were then monitored for a period of six weeks. The researchers found that the students who had plants in their dorm room reported a 34% reduction in feelings of stress and anxiety compared to those who did not have plants in their room.
Why Ivy?
The researchers chose ivy for the study because it is a common indoor plant that is easy to care for and readily available. Ivy is also known for its ability to remove air pollutants, which may contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, the greenery of ivy is believed to have a calming effect on the mind, which may explain why it was effective in reducing stress and anxiety in the study.
Other Benefits of Indoor Plants
In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, indoor plants have been shown to have a number of other benefits. They can improve indoor air quality by removing toxins from the air, increase productivity and creativity, and even reduce physical symptoms like headaches and sore throats.
FAQs
What other plants can be used to reduce stress and anxiety?
While ivy was used in this particular study, other plants that have been shown to be effective at reducing stress and anxiety include:
– Lavender, which has a calming scent
– Aloe vera, which can help purify the air and reduce indoor pollutants
– Snake plant, which can improve air quality and help reduce symptoms of allergies
– Peace lily, which can help reduce mold and improve indoor air quality.
How many plants should I have in my dorm room?
The researchers in this study used just one ivy plant per room, but you may find that having more plants has an even greater effect on your stress and anxiety levels. As a general rule, the more plants you have in your space, the greater the benefits.
Do I need to be good at taking care of plants to experience the benefits?
No, you don’t need to be an expert gardener to experience the benefits of indoor plants. Ivy in particular is a very forgiving plant that can thrive in low light and low water conditions. Other easy-to-care-for plants include snake plants, spider plants, and cacti.
Where can I buy indoor plants?
Indoor plants can be purchased at most garden centers, home improvement stores, and even online. Be sure to choose plants that are well-suited for the conditions in your dorm room (for example, if you have limited natural light, choose plants that can thrive in low light conditions).
