Technology is great but being “plugged in” 24/7 will drive anyone a little crazy. I find myself craving some peace and quiet and more and more of us are seeking healthy and quiet places to unwind; hence the concept of the breathing room is born! These rooms allow people to connect with nature and take a breather at the same time.

Statistics show that more than 50% of Americans are aware of the potentially harmful effects of indoor air pollution and are increasingly using indoor plants to combat it. A breathing room will take advantage of this knowledge and allow you to clean the air and your mind simultaneously. A recent study from the State University of Oswego confirmed that plants help us to breathe easier and can remove up to 80% of pollutants from indoor rooms.

Creating your own breathing room is not overly complicated and comes down mostly to your own personal taste. A spare room in your home or maybe an unused office at work can easily be turned into an oasis from the pressures of the day. Whether you are seeking space for meditation or silent reflection the key is to focus on being able to relax. Perhaps the addition of a tabletop water feature or soothing background music will help you in this endeavor. Dim lights and an easy chair might help jumpstart your day and even a quick nap in the afternoon could help you finish it.

Once you’ve found your space and decided on any amenities for it you’ve got to pick some plants to complete it.

Here are just a few suggestions you can consider:

• Upright plants such as a Palm Tree or Dracaena are good choices for corners of a room. A Ficus Tree is a popular choice in many offices around the country and for brighter rooms try a Norfolk Pine.
• Hanging plants including Ferns and Philodendrons are easy to find and don’t be surprised if you see inverted pots with plants hanging upside down. These are known as flower pot pendants and are said to be the next big indoor gardening trend.
• Don’t forget flowering plants! Kalanchoe, Peace Lily, and African Violets can add some color to your breathing room. Orchids will provide an exotic look and for seasonal interest try Poinsettia, Easter Lily, or Christmas Cactus.
• They may not be plants that come to mind right away but don’t forget herbs. Basil, Parsley, and Chives are a few that you can try and the fragrance of Lavender can be particularly soothing.

We can all use a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Maybe a breathing room is something we all need to have? Let us know what you think!