New research has found that living among plants can actually have women leading longer lives.

The research was carried out by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, who spent eight years trying to ascertain if there was a potential link between vegetation and life expectancy. The researchers concluded that women who live in the greenest surroundings have mortality rates an astonishing 12 percent lower than those of women who lived in plant-less homes and areas.

On top of that, the women living in greener areas had better mental health as well.

The experts found that those women who live surrounded by plants have lower levels of depression, increased opportunities for social engagement, higher levels of physical activity and reduced exposure to air pollution.

“We were surprised to observe such strong associations between increased exposure to greenness and lower mortality rates,” said Peter James, research associate in the Harvard Chan School Department of Epidemiology. “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.”

If you do live in a city where there isn’t too much green, you can always improve your life by putting green plants inside your home. Doing so will not only help you live longer, it will also drastically improve your mental health!

If you have been feeling down lately, consider bringing some plants into your home. You’ll be surprised to see how much this changes your life!