From seeds to serenity

As spring turns into summer, many of us are spending more time outdoors and enjoying nature. One way to do this is by tending to plants, whether in our homes or garden.

I recently bought a new house and have been growing various house and garden plants, and I've found that this new hobby has brought a sense of calm to my life.

You may question why I'm talking about plants in this newsletter about personal productivity. This seems like a task I previously wrote about outsourcing to free up time for higher-value tasks (link). But hear me out..

Research supports the benefits of tending to plants, and there may be even more benefits when we care for them ourselves.

The benefits of tending to plants

Houseplants can have a significant impact on our mood and well-being. Plants help reduce stress, boost our mood, and improve air quality.

But what about the act of tending to plants? There may be additional benefits to caring for our plants ourselves over outsourcing these tasks to gardeners or family members.

Gardening can improve self-esteem and reduce symptoms of depression, with people reporting greater feelings of competence, autonomy, and connectedness to nature. Spending time in nature has also been shown to improve cognitive functioning and attention span.

The benefits of tending to plants can also overlap with other areas of our lives. For example, taking care of plants requires patience, attention to detail, and a sense of responsibility. These skills can translate into other domains, such as our relationships, careers, or personal growth.

Implementation idea

Consider how you can incorporate plants into your life. Whether it's starting a garden, adding some house plants, or simply spending more time outdoors, there are a multitude of possible benefits.

Remember the act of tending to these plants yourself. Not only can it improve your mood and well-being, but it could also have spillover effects on your personal growth and development.

Best, Alex Joshi.

On my bedside table:

• Podcast: Diary of a CEO - The unexpected health benefits of travel everyone should know: Max Lugavere (link)

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