We all know the obvious benefits of growing a garden: food and flowers, landscape aesthetics, exercise … the list goes on. But now a study finds that the greenery in our lives can actually make women live longer. How’s that for some motivation?
New research published in the National Institute of Health’s Environmental Health Perspectives, shows that women who are surrounded by vegetation were likely to live longer than those who don’t for a multitude of possible reasons. Gardens and wild growing vegetation can:
- open up opportunities for exercise
- increase time spent with friends and family
- improve our mental health
- reduce harmful exposures, such as heat, noise and pollution
- mitigate climate change effects
In other words, we’re happier and healthier human beings when surrounded by all things green.
“Researchers followed 108,630 women from 11 states between 2000 and 2008 using satellite imagery of their homes to test exposure to greenery,” according to an article on Popsugar.com.
So are you ready if you want to live into science and start increasing the vegetation in your life? Here are some things you can do:
- grow an herb garden
- raise houseplants
- grow your favorite flower, like sunflowers or Echinacea
- take a hike in the woods
- go foraging
- hang some air plants
- plant a tree
Whatever it is you choose to do, you’ll be on your way to a long and lovely life.
