We can’t believe it…but we’ve made it to 2022! It’s been almost two years since the COVID pandemic really took hold here in the US, and it’s felt equally extremely fast…and excruciatingly slow. One thing that many of us have begun to navigate in this new world (or continued to navigate) is stress and anxiety.

According to one CDC report, which surveyed adults across the U.S. in June 2020, 31% of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.

It’s a bleak number, but we’d like to believe it’s improved a bit by this year, and that as life is slowly evolving to handle COVID as a fact of life, stress and anxiety symptoms will ease.

With all that to say…we have a silver lining to offer if you’ve been suffering from heightened stress anxiety the past two years (or for much longer)…PLANTS!

We are not suggesting that these plants alone will cure you of your stressors, but they can be a supportive (and beautiful!) tool in your mental health kit.

These are a few of our Favorite Stress Reducing Houseplants:

Snake Plant - SHOP IT HERE

By the name alone, we can imagine that the Snake Plant has some transformational properties. Snakes are known as animals that illicit changes because of the way they shed their skin. In addition to the more spiritual view of the snake, this plant specifically can help with stress and anxiety by absorbing toxic pollutants in the air. This leads to better sleep, which gives you more energy and likely a better, less stressful mood. Sign us up!

PS: It’s also super easy to manage, so there’s no need to stress about killing it if you’re new to plant care!

Holy Basil

Like the snake plant, holy basil gives away some of its healing properties in its name…it’s one of our HOLY grail herbs to have around to help manage stress. It’s classified as an “adaptogen” which means its a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress. You can make a tea out of its leaves, or consume it in pill form. It’s an extremely versatile plant to consume as part of a wellness routine. Read more about all of its healing properties here.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a plant that promotes healing from more physical varieties of stress. Particularly burns, rashes, or anything that needs to be cooled down! It’s a pretty plant, too, that will help to purify the air and has also been claimed to cut down on the harmful radiation emitted from our countless electronics! That makes Aloe Vera a great choice for the home office, kitchen, or really anywhere that you’d like to preemptively address potentially stressful moments!

We frequently have Aloe Vera in stock at TZS (it’s just not online right now)!

Peace Lily

Again, the name of this plant alone is enough to begin to reduce your stress levels and remind you that PEACE is possible. According to research by Dr. Dennis Wolverton (from NASA, no less) the Peace lily was “among the tops for removing chemical air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene, often found in interior living spaces from substances such as paints, furniture varnishes, and carpeting. It can help remove acetone too, as from electronics and adhesives, and even mold spores as one may find in bathrooms.” Additionally, it’s super easy to care for and can even thrive in low light. What stress?!

We frequently have Peace Lilys in stock at TZS (it’s just not online right now)!

We hope you enjoyed our round-up of these stress reducing plants, and that your 2022 is as relaxing asnd stress-free as possible!