Can Touch Friendly Plants Improve Emotional Soothing
When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, sometimes the simplest solutions work best. One of those solutions might be sitting right in your home or garden. Plants that are easy to touch and care for can offer real emotional benefits that go beyond just making a room look nice.
The connection between plants and our emotions runs deeper than most people realize. When you interact with plants by touching soil, watering them, or simply being near them, your body responds in measurable ways. Research has shown that nearly 80% of patients felt more relaxed after spending time in a garden, suggesting that plant interaction triggers genuine calming responses in our nervous systems.[1]
One of the most fascinating discoveries involves soil itself. When you get your hands dirty while gardening or caring for plants, you’re actually exposing yourself to beneficial bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae. This bacteria triggers the release of serotonin in your brain, which is a natural mood booster and antidepressant.[4] This means that simply touching soil while tending to plants can literally change your brain chemistry in positive ways.
The act of caring for a plant creates a sense of purpose and responsibility. When you water a plant, ensure it gets sunlight, and watch it grow over time, you’re not just performing tasks. You’re building a relationship with a living thing. This responsibility gives structure to your day and provides visible progress toward a goal. As the plant grows and develops, many people find themselves relating to that growth and feeling a sense of accomplishment.[1]
Touch friendly plants are particularly valuable because they invite interaction. Unlike plants you simply observe, touch friendly varieties encourage you to engage with them regularly. This consistent interaction becomes a grounding activity that pulls your attention away from worries and anxious thoughts. The repetitive, rhythmic nature of plant care acts as a natural distraction from mental health challenges.[1]
Houseplants specifically offer psychological benefits that have been documented in scientific studies. These benefits include improved mood, reduced stress levels, and increased pain tolerance.[2] When plants are placed in your living space, they create an environment that supports emotional wellbeing simply through their presence.
Certain plants are particularly known for their soothing properties. Lavender, for example, provides mental health benefits for anxiety and depression through its essential oils, which can help individuals relax and sleep better.[1] Jasmine is another flower known for relieving anxiety, with experts finding it to be a valuable mood enhancer.[1] Peace lilies and heart-leafed philodendrons are also recommended for bringing a sense of calmness during distressing times.[3]
Succulents deserve special mention because they require minimal upkeep while still providing emotional benefits. These hardy plants serve as living reminders of resilience, making them particularly popular for people seeking emotional support without the pressure of intensive plant care.[3] Aloe vera is another low maintenance option that purifies air and has been known to help relieve anxiety.[3]
The physical act of touching plants and soil engages your senses in ways that modern life often doesn’t allow. When you feel the texture of leaves, smell the earth, and see the colors of growing plants, your brain shifts into a more restorative mode. This sensory engagement anchors you in the present moment, interrupting the spiral of anxious thoughts that often dominate our minds.[5]
Beyond the immediate emotional soothing, regular plant interaction creates lasting changes in your mental health. A University of Exeter study found 23% fewer depression symptoms after three months of horticultural therapy.[6] This suggests that the benefits of touching and caring for plants accumulate over time, offering protection against depression and anxiety.
The routine of plant care also matters. The act of tending to plants introduces a structured, predictable routine into daily life, which supports mental health by creating stability.[7] In times of chaos or grief, this routine becomes an anchor that helps you move forward while honoring what you’re experiencing.
For people dealing with grief specifically, plants offer unique comfort. They serve as living reminders that life continues despite loss. The responsibility of caring for a plant provides purpose during difficult times and creates a feeling of growth when everything else feels uncertain.[3]
The beauty of using touch friendly plants for emotional soothing is that it requires no special equipment, no expensive therapy sessions, and no complicated procedures. You simply need a plant, some soil, water, and the willingness to interact with them regularly. The benefits flow naturally from this simple interaction.
Whether you choose a delicate jasmine plant, a hardy succulent, or a calming peace lily, the act of touching and caring for plants offers genuine emotional soothing backed by scientific research. Your hands, the soil, and the plant create a simple but powerful system for improving your mood and reducing stress.
Sources
https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/plant-therapy-what-is-it-and-what-are-the-benefits/
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/houseplants/for-human-health
https://www.rouppfuneralhome.com/how-houseplants-can-help-with-grief
https://permaculture.com.au/why-gardening-makes-you-happy-and-cures-depression/
https://sunlightrecovery.com/ecotherapy-part-of-mental-health-treatment/
https://www.niwaheal.com/revolutionary-plant-sanctuary-therapy/