Many would agree that the way we start our day matters the most. Our morning routines set the stage for the entire day, so it’s important to make them as healthy as possible.
One of the best ways to do that is to tailor our morning routines in such a way that allows us to get in touch with nature, and it all starts by bringing the outside in. Below, four plants to include in your morning routine to reconnect with Mother Nature.
Use lavender to calm your nerves
Lavender isn’t exactly the first thing that springs to our mind at the mention of houseplants. That said, there’s no doubt that incorporating it into our living space and lifestyle can bring some significant benefits. Popular for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, lavender is known for promoting a feeling of calmness and decreasing stress. If you’re someone who’s struggling with anxiety, making this plant a part of your home and caring for it in the morning can have a positive effect on you and help you combat negative feelings.
You can grow this amazing plant on your window sill, but make sure to move it outside during warmer months. It’ll serve as a reminder to take a moment for yourself, wind down, and stay calm. Use the fragrant lavender flowers to make tea or lavender vinegar, or add them to salads, soups, stews, and pastas. You can also find lavender in the form of essential oil which you can easily incorporate into your morning skincare routine.
Detox with the powerful aloe vera
The ways in which this powerful plant can positively affect our health and lifestyle are numerous. Its leaves are used for treating the wounds, whether we’re talking about scars, cuts, or burns. The plant itself helps detox indoor air, and it can also be of great help when it comes to increasing blood circulation and balancing blood sugar. What many people don’t know and may be asking themselves is: is aloe vera good for acid reflux treatment? The answer is – yes. Aloe vera products can be an effective tool for relieving acid reflux. The amino acids, minerals, and vitamins this powerful plant contains makes it quite effective in promoting healthy gut flora and removing toxins that trigger heartburn.
If you decide to bring this plant into your home, place it near a sunny window. Make sure it’s not exposed to direct sunlight and water it occasionally. You can also add aloe vera supplements to your morning routine, and you can use the plant gel in your skincare routine to treat everything from dark spots to sunburn to acne.
Rely on eucalyptus plant as a reminder to stay present
Our hectic lifestyles often make it difficult for us to stay present and truly live in the moment. We’re either constantly thinking and worrying about the future or reflecting on past actions we’d gladly change if we could. To stay present and become more mindful, consider making some room in your home for plants such as eucalyptus. Not only does this plant offer pleasant fragrance, but its oil also offers some amazing health benefits. Eucalyptus oil can be used for everything from disinfecting the wounds to soothing cold sores to easing joint pain.
On the other hand, the plant’s powerful scent also has a healing effect and promotes relaxation. The dried leaves of eucalyptus are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids. They can be used to make tea, and drinking it can be a wonderful way to start your day.
Survive and thrive like a snake plant
Infusing your morning routine with plants can help you feel more resilient and promote a protective energy in your home. This is especially true for plants such as snake plants which are easy-going and require little attention. Also referred to as Mother-in-Law’s tongue, snake plant is one of the most tolerant plants there are. It can thrive despite unsuitable conditions and continue to grow through. As such, the snake plant serves as a great reminder of our capabilities and our ability to overcome difficulties in life.
Aside from being hard to kill and easy to maintain, this plant is also very effective for purifying indoor air. It can help fight allergies and prevent Sick Building Syndrome which is often a result of poor indoor air quality. It’s an ideal bedroom and bathroom plant, but due to its resilient nature, it’ll thrive just about anywhere.
Wrapping up
Bringing the outside in is truly one of the best ways to transform your home into a healing sanctuary and promote self-care. What other plants serve as your reminders to keep going and growing? Share your thoughts in the comments down below!
Stella Green Thompson is an illustrator, a lifestyle blogger, a lover of basics, and a food enthusiast. She loves giving tips about healthy lifestyles and self-development. She is a contributor to several health and lifestyle blogs. You can find more about her writing by following her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StellaGreenTho1.
Featured image courtesy of Gemma Chua-Tran.