Have you considered surrounding yourself with plants? A new research showed that living in the midst of healthy vegetation can significantly extend one’s life expectancy.

In a research coming directly out of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health as well as the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, results of an eight-year-long study examining a potential link in place between thriving vegetation and an extended lifespan have been analyzed.

According to the study:

“Women in the U.S. who live in homes surrounded by more vegetation appear to have significantly lower mortality rates than those who live in areas with less vegetation. Essentially, women who live in greener surroundings have clearly been found with better mental health and mortality rates 12% lower than those living in homes without plants, in areas void of vegetation.”

How Does Green Impact Health?

Several different research-backed components have been found to support the link between mortality rate and the number of green plants.

A much lower level of depression was demonstrated by those who surround themselves with plants. Aside from this, owning plants or living near them has been found to actually “increase opportunities for social engagement, higher levels of physical activity and reduce exposure to air pollution.”

One of the researchers named Peter James commented that:

“We were surprised to observe such strong associations between increased exposure to greenness and lower mortality rates. We were even more surprised to find evidence that a large proportion of the apparent benefit from high levels of vegetation seems to be connected with improved mental health.”

The Best Houseplants To Buy

According to NASA, some of the best air purifying houseplants are English ivy, Peace lily, Boston ferns, and spider plants. Moreover, jasmine and lavender are excellent plants to help you fall asleep easier. Jasmine scent has actually been found to effectively ease anxiety.

That’s why, if you are hoping to add on a few extra years in your life or you’re looking for ways to get greener in your life, you can buy a few hearty houseplants or just take a plenty of walks in the woods.