Hands in the Dirt

She pressed her hands into the soil, feeling the cool earth give slightly under her fingers. Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and support mental health through gentle physical activity and interaction with nature (Soga et al. 92).

Engaging in horticultural tasks also promotes mindfulness and resilience, helping individuals recover from mental fatigue (Van den Berg and Custers 162). Each seed she planted was a reminder that patience, care, and consistent effort yield growth, both in the garden and within oneself.

Works Cited (MLA)

Soga, Masashi, et al. “Gardening Is Beneficial for Health: A Meta-Analysis.” Preventive Medicine Reports, vol. 5, 2017, pp. 92–99.
Van den Berg, Agnes E., and Mariëtte H. G. Custers. “Gardening Promotes Neuroendocrine and Affective Restoration from Stress.” Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 16, no. 1, 2011, pp. 3–11.