Charlie Hall, a professor in the Department of International Floriculture at Texas A&M University, has highlighted how keeping plants at home can support mental well-being during the winter months. The university’s own findings emphasize that plants can be part of a practical approach to seasonal mood changes, especially when daylight grows scarce and time spent indoors increases. In Canadian and American homes alike, people often search for simple, natural ways to counteract the dampening effects of shorter days, and the presence of greenery is frequently cited as a comforting factor during this season.
Hall’s extensive research explores how indoor greenery interacts with human psychology. His studies suggest that surrounding living spaces with plants can lower the body’s stress response by reducing cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress. This physiological shift is particularly relevant in winter when people experience higher stress due to limited outdoor activity and extended indoor time. The practical takeaway is that a thoughtfully selected arrangement of houseplants can help people feel calmer, more focused, and better able to cope with the daily pressures that can intensify in the colder months.
Beyond mood benefits, Hall notes that indoor plants brighten spaces and contribute to a sense of visual harmony. The mere act of tending to plants may release positive emotions comparable to the warmth someone feels when interacting with a beloved pet. In his papers, succulents and other low-maintenance varieties are associated with improved memory retention and greater life satisfaction, suggesting that plant care can become a small, rewarding routine that boosts overall well-being. This aligns with broader observations that nature-inspired elements inside the home can foster a calmer mindset, which is especially valuable in regions with long winters and limited natural light. The research from Texas A&M thus supports a simple, accessible strategy: bring a touch of green indoors to support mental health and mood during the cold months, a message that resonates with families, students, and professionals across North America who are looking for practical, science-backed ways to feel more balanced at home.