In an age dominated by screens and urban landscapes, a growing body of research and personal anecdotes highlights a timeless truth — nature heals. From improving focus and reducing stress to enhancing mood, interacting with plants and natural environments offers measurable benefits.

Studies have consistently shown that spending time in natural settings can lead to significant health improvements. For instance, research published by the American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that interacting with nature can act as a balm for our busy brains, offering cognitive benefits and enhancing mood.

Beyond the data, individual experiences shed light on nature’s therapeutic effects. At Elizabethtown College, the High Library recently introduced an initiative allowing students to borrow plants. The library hosted a plant potting party in the Idea Lab, where students could plant one of the library’s 50 plants and take it home. Some plants were donated by students and faculty, while others came from a grant from the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania.

“I started loving plants about two years ago,” said Carolyn Bush, a junior studying secondary education. “And I have noticed a huge change in being around plants than without, my sleep is much better and I seem to be a little bit more focused.”

Nature therapy has been associated with enhanced attention spans and reduced mental fatigue. Engaging with green spaces can restore diminished cognitive resources, leading to better focus and productivity.

The ability of plants to create a soothing atmosphere is especially crucial in windowless environments, as Leda Werner, the Program Coordinator for Community & Civic Engagement & Momentum Director noted.

 “Plants help me stay connected to nature while also bringing a sense of calm in my workplace,” Werner said 

This highlights how greenery can serve as a vital connection to nature, even in artificial surroundings.

Recognizing the benefits of nature, various institutions have begun integrating green spaces into their environments. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has started creating “recovery gardens” for staff and patients. These gardens offer quiet, nature-filled spaces where individuals can decompress from the stress of their work.

“I may not be a plant person, but my mother is, and I have always been around plants,” said Devin Jackson, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice. “I have always felt like I could sit and just relax around them.”

Seattle residents are transforming their gardens into therapeutic spaces to combat high stress and digital overload. This weighs the mental health benefits of gardening and the medicinal properties of plants.

For many, the presence of plants in their environment creates a sense of calm and clarity. Brooke Hollinger, the Assistant Director of Student Activities and Commuter Engagement, expressed how she felt about plants 

“They make the air in my office space clearer,” Hollinger said. 

She takes great pride in her colorful environment. 

“Students have shared that my office also gives a sense of calm and ease, especially when talking of difficult conversation,” Hollinger  said. 

This sentiment aligns with the broader understanding that natural elements can foster emotional well-being in both personal and professional spaces.

Some practical steps to embrace nature could be by introducing houseplants. They can improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Engaging in plant care routines can also provide a sense of purpose and routine, as seen in the experiences of Hollinger and Werner, who integrate greenery into their workspaces for both personal and communal benefits.

The essential bond between humans and nature is undeniable. As modern life becomes increasingly hectic, reconnecting with the natural world offers a simple yet profound remedy for many of today’s challenges—whether through a borrowed plant from a library, a green-filled workspace, or a walk in the park.

 Link to sources: 

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/16/nhs-recovery-gardens-hospital-royal-horticultural-society-patients https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/13/5-healing-herbs-plant-therapy?