For many of us, life can be pretty stressful - work, family, bills, you name it. It's not always easy to cope with life's many challenges, and as a result, many of us can experience a range of mental and physical health issues. While there are many things that people can do to improve their physical and mental health, one activity that is often overlooked is gardening.
That's right, spending time outside and getting your hands dirty may provide some excellent therapeutic advantages and other benefits.
Gardening has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, while also promoting relaxation. The act of caring for plants can help to ground you in the present moment and give you a sense of purpose.
So, let's look at some of the ways that gardening can improve your mental, emotional and physical health.
1. Reduces Stress And Anxiety
One of the main ways that gardening can improve your mental health is by reducing stress and anxiety levels. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and lower blood pressure [1].
Furthermore, gardening allows you to get out of your head and focus on something concrete. This can help you to feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.
2. Improves Mood
Gardening has also been shown to improve moods, particularly in people who suffer from depression. One study found that people who gardened for 30 minutes a week experienced fewer symptoms of depression than those who didn't garden at all [2].
3. Increases Feelings Of Accomplishment
Another benefit of gardening is that it can help you to feel more accomplished and satisfied. By working towards growing your own plants, you are accomplishing a goal and feeling good about yourself as a result.
4. Connects You With Nature
One of the best things about gardening is that it allows you to connect with nature. By spending time in your garden, surrounded by plants, you can begin to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
There is something incredibly therapeutic about spending time in nature that can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. Gardens are full of rich, life-giving nutrients that can help to nourish both our bodies and our minds, giving us a sense of calm and peace that we simply cannot get from being indoors.
5. Provides Social Interaction
Gardening can actually be a great way to meet new people and get some social interaction. There are lots of ways to get involved in the gardening community, whether it's joining a local gardening club or signing up for a community garden plot.
You can also attend gardening workshops or trade shows, or even start your own garden club. And once you've made some new friends, you can stay connected by sharing tips and advice online or through social media.
6. Offers A Form Of Exercise
Gardening is a great form of physical activity that can help to improve your overall health. It's low-impact, so it's easy on your joints, and it can help to increase your strength and flexibility.
Just spending an hour or so doing some basic gardening tasks can burn calories, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and boost cardiovascular health. So if you’re looking for a way to get active and enjoy the outdoors, gardening might be the perfect option for you.
7. Boosts Self-Esteem
If your self-esteem needs a little boost, gardening could be just what the doctor ordered. That's because gardening gives you a sense of control and accomplishment, as you are able to see the fruits of your labor in the form of vibrant, healthy plants.
Whether you are growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, the process of nurturing a garden is deeply satisfying and allows you to feel proud of your accomplishments.
8. Promotes Mindfulness And Gratitude
Caring for a garden can help promote mindfulness, as it requires you to focus on the present moment and be present in your actions. You can’t rush through the process of planting seeds or watering plants – it requires patience and a gentle touch.
In addition, gardening can also foster a sense of gratitude. Seeing your plants grow and thrive can be a reminder of the abundance in your life and the interconnectedness of all living things.
9. Encourages Healthy Sleep Habits
If you’re having trouble sleeping, spending some time in the garden can help.
Studies have shown that spending just 20-30 minutes in the garden each day can help to reduce stress, ease depression, and increase feelings of relaxation. This in turn can lead to a deeper and more refreshing night's sleep.
10. Improved Diet And Overall Health
Most people are aware that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining a healthy diet and overall health. However, many people struggle to consume the recommended amount of produce every day.
One way to make sure you're getting enough fruits and vegetables is to grow them yourself. Gardening gives you control over what goes into your food, and you can be sure that your produce is fresh and free of harmful chemicals.
It's Time To Start Your Own Garden!
Just about anyone can benefit from gardening. It doesn't matter if you have a huge yard or just a small patio—gardening can help improve your physical and mental health in a number of ways, as we've discussed above.
If you're ready to start reaping all of the rewards that gardening has to offer, now is the perfect time to start your own garden!
So whether you're looking to get fit, relax, or eat better, give gardening a try—you might just be surprised at how much it can help.