Nature’s Rx for Mental Wellness, the theme for the 2018 Garden Trends Report, is all about taking a break from being connected 24/7 and getting back in the real world.

The World Health Organization predicts anxiety will be the #1 health issue, outranking obesity by 2020.

That’s right around the corner. If we don’t try to stop that now, we are going to be in major trouble.

Thankfully, there is more talk of wellness in the world more than ever.

Celebrities and Royals are talking about their mental wellness goals, which is helping demystify mental health.

The bottom line is: Happy mind = Happy body.

Breathing Rooms

"Privacy is a shorthand for breathing room, for time to develop our own unique identity free from ‘likes’ or ‘comments’ on social media”. - Julie Cohen, Professor of Law at Georgetown University.

Think about the last time you were submerged in nature. Shade from the trees cooling your skin. The sounds of nature rushing around you. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Remember how good that feels?

Now imagine if you can feel that way in your own home.

People spend 90% of their time indoors. That means they aren’t getting the benefits of fresh, clean air. Unbeknownst to most, indoor air can be just as bad as polluted outdoor air. It isn't until you get into nature that the air becomes clean and crisp.

To help with this problem, people are creating breathing rooms to disconnect and unplug. They are using houseplants, such as peace lilies and bromeliads, to help cleanse the air and clear the mind. Houseplants used for breathing rooms help clean the harmful toxins that are in the air. Breathing cleaner air spurs clearer thinking and reduces stress and anxiety. Which in turn, makes you a happier person!

These rooms enable people to connect with nature and create an oasis from our fast paced society.

Hanging gardens and flower pot pendants are the next big thing this year to replace green walls. Green canopies help move the breathing room from floor to ceiling.

Need to make it even more relaxing? Add in a special place to practice yoga, a reflection area or even a comfortable chair for meditation.

Want to Dive Deeper into Breathing Rooms? Download Katie and Suzi's presentation from the 2018 TPIE conference. 

Want to see what other trends are buzzing this year? Download our 2018 Garden Trends Report today!