Roots of Strength

She pressed her palms into the soil, feeling the cool, damp earth between her fingers. Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage physical activity, all of which support overall health (Soga et al. 92).

The rhythmic care of plants also promotes mindfulness and resilience, helping people cope with mental fatigue and emotional challenges (Van den Berg and Custers 162). As she watered the young seedlings, she felt a connection to growth, patience, and her own quiet strength. The garden was not just green. It was a living reminder that effort and care yield results over time.

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.