I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Leaf Your Troubles Behind by Karen Hugg Published by Rowman & Littlefield on July 15, 2022
Genres: Gardening / House Plants & Indoor, Self-Help / Motivational & Inspirational, Self-Help / Personal Growth / Happiness
Pages: 256
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
Have you ever felt happier after a walk in the woods or fiddling with houseplants but your hectic life stressed you out again? In our rushed, tech-based, indoor society, we may yearn for a break but only manage to get through a noisy day and collapse in bed. Regaining a peaceful mind seems beyond reach. But what if there were easy, low-cost activities to heal the soul? What if we could regularly access tranquility? How would we do that? The answer may be in the simplest, most abundant thing all around us: plants.
Plants are like a magic pill for our mental health. Growing science tells us they lower heart rates, make us more relaxed and productive, boost our immune system, help us live longer, and provide air, food, fragrance, and beauty. In Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants, horticulturalist Karen Hugg draws on the science and two decades of professional gardening experience to help readers reduce stress and increase happiness. Through her original, approachable system of “Green Leisure,” you will:
-discover nature’s scientifically proven power to heal us from stress
-explore what “green leisure” activities are right for you
-create a soothing green lounge at home, either via plants or just photos and décor
-gain confidence in growing low-maintenance but rewarding plants, indoors and out
-develop “green leisure” habits to ensure care for your soul any time of year
With personal stories, the latest research, and fun easy-to-do activities, Karen guides readers in delving into the wonders of plants while “leafing” their daily stress behind and growing joy.
This book really encourages you gently into becoming a Plant Person, even if you previously did not have any interest. There’s a ton of helpful activities (full list available on my blog), and it combines Real Sciencey Science with personal experiences and anecdotes. This book is really cozy, honestly, and I think I really recommend it. I’m not sure if I’ll be becoming a Plant Person, but I’m going to try out some of these activities and see what happens. Five stars.
Activities:
Picturing a Happy Plant Place
An Escape to Nature Notebook
Thre Stress Bramble
The Less-Stress Challenge
Sifting Your TIme Soil
Green Personality Germination
Carving Out Your Calendar Time
Sleuthing a Special Plant
Nerdy Plant Family Newsletter Exchange
Neighborhood Tree Photo Time-Lapse
A Day’s Plant Design
A Smiley Face of Succulents
Raising a Green Beanie Baby
A Mini Hummer’s Habitat
Plant Watching in the Semi-Wild
Houseplant Stuff Swap Party
Shared Space Beautification
Turning over Eath Together
Your Gratitude Cabinet
A “not-so-bad” Notes Pot
A Twenty-one-day Nature-Grateful Text Exchange
Geocaching Treasure Hunt
Fast and Furious Raking
Spooky Stroll Through a Cemetary
Animal Tracking in the Snow
Indoor Spinning with Outdoor Scenery
The Easiest Pet Plant to Grow
Sleuthing Your Green Decor Style
Cozy Collection of Houseplants
Part-Sun Window Box Garden
Almost Anywhere, USA, Birds, Bees, and Butterflies Container
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