HAVE you ever experienced a feeling of relief just by going for a walk after a stressful day? This walk seems to allow you to shed the pressures of the day, find some amount of peace and regroup for what might be ahead. These benefits are real and not imagined, and have a direct impact on mental health, according to a study done by the University of Michigan.

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

Marsha Rae McBean has “bottled” a product that provides these benefits. So, one would not have to go for a walk to be at one with nature, but can derive the benefits within the corporate space.

This she does through her container gardens, which is one of the products Little Oasis Treasures specialises in.

McBean describes the container garden as the gift that keeps on giving, and said it all started from her wanting her own escape while working in the corporate Jamaica. She said she realised how good she felt by having a single potted plant on her desk. That spawned the idea which now has her creating horticultural arrangements that bring the beauty and serenity of the natural world into the urban space, through container gardens.

She told the Jamaica Observer that the arrangements are low maintenance and that they do a lot to lift the spirits and brighten any day, by helping to reduce stress and anger while promoting happiness, concentration, productivity, and creativity.

She explained further that the arrangements are named after Caribbean countries to give that feel of having a vacation in a vase, despite being in an apartment or corporate office without a green space.

“It is a matter of escaping the world as we know it today, with the up and down grind of persons who live in the cities, corporate professionals who are forever grinding, to allow them to escape, if only for awhile,” McBean said, adding that the container garden is aimed at creating an oasis within the urban space.

She said, so far, her container gardens have been well-received.

“Persons like the idea of bringing nature inside in a manageable way,” McBean shared. “I think that is what really helps it, the low maintenance nature of the product when it comes to the plants and the condition for slow growth and minimal water uptake.”

She said not much water is required, especially if the plant is kept in an air-conditioned environment.

“You don’t have to water them often, maybe once per month or every two weeks depending on the space,” McBean noted.

She added that plants need sunlight, but indirect sunlight, such as being placed next to a window, is sufficient.

So what are some of the health benefits to be had from creating your own Little Oasis?

1. Reduced stress and improved well-being by creating a quieter more relaxed environment. McBean said the feeling of reduced stress is found to be associated with the feeling of increased attractiveness within the space – a direct psychological reaction that also leads to increased creativity and productivity.

2. Improved air quality: Contrary to popular belief, indoor air quality is actually worse than the air outside because the air inside is stagnant, which allows for an accumulation of waste. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) make up the major component of this waste. According to Mcbean, these VOCs are easily broken down by the microbes found in soil, which in essence acts as an air filter.

3. Improved concentration: High carbon dioxide levels, that is the build-up of waste in the air, can cause drowsiness. Plants utilise excess carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, reducing the build-up and refreshing air by releasing new oxygen.

McBean said Little Oasis Treasures, the creators of living art, endeavor to bring the beauty and serenity of the natural world into the urban space. Outside of container gardens, they also specialise in Aquatic Escape Nano Aquariums.

“All arrangements are compact in size and will do well to accent any space in which you spend a lot of your time, be it home or work,” McBean said.