Life can be really stressful around the holiday season, and especially so with finances in disarray for so many of us.  The crappy economy, budget cuts, layoffs and firings are all out of hand and everyone is feeling it.  In times like these, I look for simple (and cheap) solutions to my stress-related problems, and while I was scouring the net, I stumbled upon the following information: 

Plants bring natural beauty to our living spaces. By creating texture and balance, a room or patio can be transformed into an environment that comforts and welcomes. Plants have been proven to reduce stress so well, that just one glance at a plant lowers your heart rate. They also help clean the air we breathe by absorbing toxins and acting as little oxygen factories. Plants simply make us feel better.

By easing mental fatigue and improving air quality, plants should find themselves an imperative part of your home life. Not convinced yet? Studies show that:

1. In addition to calming your heart rate, plants lower blood pressure and reduce muscle tension related to stress

2. Plants help us relax and focus, leading to increased productivity, creativity, idea generation, and problem solving capabilities. In fact, the presence of plants helps so much that it has been shown to relieve the symptoms experienced by children with ADD.

3. Plants help patients recovering from surgery and ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

So there it is there.  Take it or leave it–but I’m willing believe it!  I’m about to get my plant game up for ‘09, son.