Plants May Be the Key to Breaking Up Work-at-Home Monotony

A new survey reveals how people are adjusting.
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You’ve invested in a chair with ergonomic support and mastered the art of the to-do list; but working from home—especially if you’ve been doing it for the last three months—can quickly feel monotonous. According to a new study from Article, the solution may lie in design. 95 percent of respondents said they worked better in a stylish space; and of those, 54 percent prefer houseplants over artwork to help them feel good about their workspace. Time to flex that green thumb. 

Beyond helping to create a lush atmosphere, certain plants relieve stress, and a dose of nature is proven to improve your mood. If you’re ready to bring home some new green friends, we have suggestions for rookie plant parents.

If You Have Trouble Focusing

Ponytail palms have secret productivity benefits. They absorb carbon dioxide, which can lead to drowsiness and headaches, according to Bloomscape expert Joyce Mast. Just be sure to prop the plant in a nearby sunny windowsill so it can catch some much-needed rays. 

If You Don’t Have Time to Worry About Care

Sometimes you get stuck in an inbox rabbit hole and forget to water your greens—it happens, so make sure yours can hold up to the stress. Pothos don’t ask for much: A shower of water every week or so and low sunlight. One Domino editor even swears it’s the only plant she hasn’t killed. 

If You Can’t Live Without Your Diffuser

 

Not only are snake plants incredibly resilient, but they have air-purifying qualities that make them ideal for anyone particularly sensitive to their environment. They’ve even snagged an endorsement from NASA, which found that their leaves remove toxins like benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. Breathe easy while you meet your deadlines. 

It’s hammer time: Follow @reno_notebook for easy rental updates, clever DIYs, and tips to nail your next project.

Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.