Recent studies show that living “green” lower levels of depression and pollution while increasing social engagement and physical activity. Harvard School of Public Health conducted a nationwide study of approximately 100,000 women in 2016. Their analysis found that women had lower rates of mortality when living in areas of high green vegetation.

What is “green” you ask? Trees, plants, grass, flowers.. any vegetation covering about 250 meters or roughly 820 feet, or a little over 1/10 of a mile of vegetation.

How does “green” help? Plants can reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, lowering pollution levels. After all, breathing clean air matters, and plants clean the air. In this study, death from respiratory disease was reduced by about one third! More green also naturally equates to more time spent outside. Getting outside, enjoying sunshine (which makes vitamin D), and spending time being more social with friends all increase health and well-being while decreasing levels of depression. Women living in green spaces are also more physically active and exercise is medicine for a healthy lifestyle.

Don’t fret… for those of in the throes of cold and winter half the year, warmer seasons aren’t all that far away. Until then, create some green space in your home (hello house plants and herb gardens!) and consider vacationing in areas with lots of vegetation.

Read the full article on Harvard Health HERE.