Plants as a Natural Solution to Stress and Mental Fatigue in an Urbanised World
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19413399Keywords:
Plant, Mental health, Stress reducing, Urbanization, Green environmentsAbstract
In the age of rapid urbanization and the development of technology, reconnecting to nature might be an incredibly efficient way to de-stress and mentally recharge. Despite indoor or outdoor cultivation, plants play a significant beneficial role in the mental health and well-being of people. The article discusses the numerous psychological benefits of plants, backed by scientific evidence that includes the reduction of stress, mood, cognitive function, and mindfulness improvement. The mechanisms, such as biophilia, the calming effects of greenery, and physiological responses to plant interactions, are discussed. In everyday life, the application of plants can make people more emotionally resilient and enable a feeling of unity with the natural environment, which can be proved by such helpful methods as indoor gardens, horticultural therapy, and biophilic architecture. This paper highlights the changing role of plants on the psychosocial condition and advocates their incorporation as important co-cultivators of overall well-being by underlining their importance in households, places of work, and treatment scenarios.
References
Barus, F. B., Thamrin, H., Putri, M., Ritonga, F. U., Suriadi, A., Lubis, M. A., & Saragih, I. D. (2025). Plant therapy to improve mental health of older people in Nangbelawan Village, Karo Regency, Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1445(1), 012035. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1445/1/012035
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Journals.Sagepub.ComMG Berman, J Jonides, S KaplanPsychological Science, 2008•journals.Sagepub.Com, 19(12), 1207–1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2009). The psychological benefits of indoor plants: A critical review of the experimental literature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29(4), 422–433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.05.001
Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., Patil, G. G., Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T., & Patil, G. G. (2007). Psychological Benefits of Indoor Plants in Workplaces: Putting Experimental Results into Context. HortScience, 42(3), 581–587. https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.42.3.581
Chang, C.-Y., & Chen, P.-K. (2005). Human Response to Window Views and Indoor Plants in the Workplace. HORTSCIENCE, 40(5). https://journals.ashs.org
Clatworthy, J., Hinds, J., & Camic, P. M. (2013). Gardening as a mental health intervention: A review. Emerald.ComJ Clatworthy, J Hinds, P M. CamicMental Health Review Journal, 2013•emerald.Com, 18(4), 214–225. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-02-2013-0007
Collins, C. C., O’Callaghan, A. M., Collins, C. C., & O’Callaghan, A. M. (2008). The Impact of Horticultural Responsibility on Health Indicators and Quality of Life in Assisted Living. HortTechnology, 18(4), 611–618. https://doi.org/10.21273/horttech.18.4.611
Coventry, P. A., Brown, J. V. E., Pervin, J., Brabyn, S., Pateman, R., Breedvelt, J., Gilbody, S., Stancliffe, R., McEachan, R., & White, P. C. L. (2021). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM - Population Health, 16(4), 100934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100934
Detweiler, M. B., Sharma, T., Detweiler, J. G., Murphy, P. F., Lane, S., Carman, J., Chudhary, A. S., Halling, M. H., & Kim, K. Y. (2012). What Is the Evidence to Support the Use of Therapeutic Gardens for the Elderly? Psychiatry Investigation, 9(2), 100. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2012.9.2.100
Grinde, B., & Patil, G. G. (2009). Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2009, Vol. 6, Pages 2332-2343, 6(9), 2332–2343. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6092332
Gu, J., Liu, H., & Lu, H. (2022). Can Even a Small Amount of Greenery Be Helpful in Reducing Stress? A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2022, Vol. 19, 19(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169778
Hall, C., Knuth, M., Hall, C., & Knuth, M. (2019). An Update of the Literature Supporting the Well-Being Benefits of Plants: A Review of the Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Plants. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 37(1), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-37.1.30
Hartig, T., Mang, M., behavior, G. E.-E. and, & 1991, undefined. (1991). Restorative effects of natural environment experiences. Journals.Sagepub.ComT Hartig, M Mang, GW EvansEnvironment and Behavior, 1991•journals.Sagepub.Com, 23(1), 3–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916591231001
Hassan, A., Qibing, C., Tao, J., Bing-Yang, L., Nian, L., Li, S., Tng, L. Y., Li, J. Z., Ziyue, S. G., Tahir, M. S., Hassan, A., Qibing, C., Tao, J., Bing-Yang, L., Nian, L., Li, S., Tng, L. Y., Li, J. Z., Ziyue, S. G., & Tahir, M. S. (2018). Effects of Plant Activity on Mental Stress in Young Adults. HortScience, 53(1), 104–109. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12447-17
Herzog, T. R., Maguire, C. P., & Nebel, M. B. (2003). Assessing the restorative components of environments. ElsevierTR Herzog, P Maguire, MB NebelJournal of Environmental Psychology, 2003•Elsevier, 23(2), 159–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(02)00113-5
Howarth, M., Brettle, A., Hardman, M., & Maden, M. (2020). What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being: A scoping review and evidence-based logic model to guide healthcare strategy decision making on the use of gardening approaches as a social prescription. BMJ Open, 10(7). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036923
Kaplan, Rachel., & Kaplan, Stephen. (1989). The experience of nature : a psychological perspective. 340. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Experience_of_Nature.html?id=7l80AAAAIAAJ
Kaplan, S. (2001). Meditation, Restoration, and the Management of Mental Fatigue. Environment and Behavior, 33(4), 480–506. https://doi.org/10.1177/00139160121973106
Korpela, K., Borodulin, K., Neuvonen, M., Paronen, O., & Tyrväinen, L. (2014). Analyzing the mediators between nature-based outdoor recreation and emotional well-being. ElsevierK Korpela, K Borodulin, M Neuvonen, O Paronen, L TyrväinenJournal of Environmental Psychology, 2014•Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.11.003
Largo-Wight, E., William Chen, W., Dodd, V., & Weiler, R. (2011). Healthy workplaces: The effects of nature contact at work on employee stress and health. Journals.Sagepub.ComE Largo-Wight, WW Chen, V Dodd, R WeilerPublic Health Reports, 2011•journals.Sagepub.Com, 126(SUPPL. 1), 124–126. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549111260s116
Lee, M. sun, Lee, J., Park, B. J., & Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 34(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40101-015-0060-8
Liu, T., He, L., Yu, W., Freudenreich, T., & Lin, X. (2022). Effect of Green Plants on Individuals’ Mental Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preliminary Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013541
Lowry, C. A., Hollis, J. H., de Vries, A., Pan, B., Brunet, L. R., Hunt, J. R. F., Paton, J. F. R., van Kampen, E., Knight, D. M., Evans, A. K., Rook, G. A. W., & Lightman, S. L. (2007). Identification of an immune-responsive mesolimbocortical serotonergic system: Potential role in regulation of emotional behavior. Neuroscience, 146(2), 756–772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.01.067
Ma, J. (2022). Interaction with Nature Indoor: Psychological Impacts of Houseplants Care Behaviour on Mental Well-Being and Mindfulness in Chinese Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2022, Vol. 19, 19(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315810
Mahyuddin, N., Jamaludin, M., Hussien, A., Akashah, F. W., Farhana, N., Azmi, B., Cotgrave, A., & Riley, M. (2022). Assessing the impact of indoor plants towards physical indoor office building environment in hot and humid climates. In Journal of Design and Built Environment (Vol. 22, Number 1).
Meesakul, P., Shea, T., Wong, S. X., Kuroki, Y., & Cao, S. (2023). Hawaiian Plants with Beneficial Effects on Sleep, Anxiety, and Mood, etc. Mdpi.ComP Meesakul, T Shea, SX Wong, Y Kuroki, S CaoPharmaceuticals, 2023•mdpi.Com, 16(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16091228
Nelson, M., & Wolverton, B. C. (2011). Plants + soil/wetland microbes: Food crop systems that also clean air and water. Advances in Space Research, 47(4), 582–590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2010.10.007
Niazi, P., Obaidullah Alimyar, ✉, Azizi, A., Monib, A. W., & Ozturk, H. (2023). People-plant interaction: plant impact on humans and environment. Al-Kindipublishers.OrgP Niazi, O Alimyar, A Azizi, AW Monib, H OzturkJournal of Environmental and Agricultural Studies, 2023•al-Kindipublishers.Org. https://doi.org/10.32996/jeas
Ohly, H., White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Bethel, A., Ukoumunne, O. C., Nikolaou, V., & Garside, R. (2016). Attention Restoration Theory: A systematic review of the attention restoration potential of exposure to natural environments. In Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health - Part B: Critical Reviews (Vol. 19, Number 7, pp. 305–343). Taylor and Francis Inc. https://doi.org/10.1080/10937404.2016.1196155
Park, S. H., & Mattson, R. H. (2009). Ornamental indoor plants in hospital rooms enhanced health outcomes of patients recovering from surgery. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(9), 975–980. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0075
Pferschy-Wenzig, E. M., Pausan, M. R., Ardjomand-Woelkart, K., Röck, S., Ammar, R. M., Kelber, O., Moissl-Eichinger, C., & Bauer, R. (2022). Medicinal plants and their impact on the gut microbiome in mental health: A systematic review. Mdpi.ComEM Pferschy-Wenzig, MR Pausan, K Ardjomand-Woelkart, S Röck, RM Ammar, O KelberNutrients, 2022•mdpi.Com, 14(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14102111
Phillips, T., & Levin, H. (2009). Critical Review: How Well Do House Plants Perform as Indoor Air Cleaners? https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260266811
Riordan, R. J., & Williams, C. S. (1988). Gardening therapeutics for the elderly. Activities, Adaptation and Aging, 12(1–2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1300/J016v12n01_09
Shibata, S., & Suzuki, N. (2001). Effects of Indoor Foliage Plants on Subjects’ Recovery from Mental Fatigue. North American Journal of Psychology, 3(3), 385. https://openurl.ebsco.com/contentitem/gcd:6542721?sid=ebsco:plink:crawler&id=ebsco:gcd:6542721
Snyder, A., & Snyder, A. (2024). Greening Urban Spaces: Harnessing Houseplants to Reclaim Ecosystem Services. Student Theses 2015-Present. https://research.library.fordham.edu/environ_2015/165
Söderback, I., Söderström, M., & Schälander, E. (2004). Horticultural therapy: the ’healing garden’and gardening in rehabilitation measures at Danderyd Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic, Sweden. Taylor & FrancisI Söderback, M Söderström, E SchälanderPediatric Rehabilitation, 2004•Taylor & Francis, 7(4), 245–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/13638490410001711416
Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.007
Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
Tian, L. (2022). Analysis of the Artistic Effect of Garden Plant Landscaping in Urban Greening. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2022(1), 2430067. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2430067
Tu, H. M. (2022). Effect of horticultural therapy on mental health: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 29(4), 603–615. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12818
Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402
Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80184-7
Wilson, E. O. (2018). Biophilia and the Conservation Ethic. Evolutionary Perspectives on Environmental Problems, 250–258. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203792650-18
Wolverton, B. C., Douglas, W. L., & Bounds, K. (1989). A Study of Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement.
Wood, R. A., Burchett, M. D., Alquezar, R., Orwell, R. L., Tarran, J., & Torpy, F. (2006). The Potted-Plant Microcosm Substantially Reduces Indoor Air VOC Pollution: I. Office Field-Study. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 2006 175:1, 175(1), 163–180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-006-9124-z
Yao, W., Luo, Q., Zhang, X., Zhuo, C., & Mi, L. (2024). Exploring the effect of different typical plant community on human stress reduction: a field experiment. Scientific Reports 2024 14:1, 14(1), 5600-. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56243-7
Yin, J., Arfaei, N., MacNaughton, P., Catalano, P. J., Allen, J. G., & Spengler, J. D. (2019). Effects of biophilic interventions in office on stress reaction and cognitive function: A randomized crossover study in virtual reality. Wiley Online LibraryJ Yin, N Arfaei, P MacNaughton, PJ Catalano, JG Allen, JD SpenglerIndoor Air, 2019•Wiley Online Library, 29(6), 1028–1039. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12593
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Bandana Mohapatra, Nihar Ranjan Singh, Rupak Jena, Milan Kumar Lal

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.