Do plants affect brainwaves? Effect of indoor plants in work environment on mental stress

Abstract

Objectives – The use of different technologies, such as mobile phones, internet, social media networks, and computer-based electronic devices cause a great deal of mental stress. However, few evidence-based studies have investigated ways to overcome this stress. In the present study, we examined the physiological and psychological effects of working environments containing indoor plants on stress. Methods – In total, 50 participants (age 20 years) were recruited. Experiments were performed to evaluate the physiological and psychological responses during a 5-min computer task in the presence or absence of indoor plants. Psychophysiological evaluations were based on blood pressure, electroencephalography (EEG) results, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores. Results – EEG analysis revealed that the presence of plants induced a significant change in brain activity, relative to that observed in the absence of plants. The participants exhibited lower STAI scores for tasks performed in the presence of plants than that performed in their absence. Conclusions – Thus, performing tasks in the presence of indoor plants for 5 minutes may lower mental stress.