Breezes Between the Leaves

She walked slowly through the small grove, letting the wind play through her hair. Spending time in natural environments has been shown to lower stress, reduce heart rate, and improve overall mood (Ulrich et al. 201).

Each breath carried the scent of leaves and earth, reminding her to pause and notice. Studies also indicate that exposure to greenery enhances motivation and cognitive performance, supporting both mental clarity and emotional well-being (Kaplan 170). She smiled quietly, feeling grounded, as if the grove itself whispered encouragement with every rustling leaf.

Works Cited (MLA)

Kaplan, Stephen. “The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 15, no. 3, 1995, pp. 169–182.
Ulrich, Roger S., et al. Stress Recovery During Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments. Elsevier, 1991.