Gardening is not just a hobby; it's a therapeutic journey that nurtures both the soil and the soul. While the physical benefits of gardening are well-documented, it's becoming clear that tending to a garden also provides many mental health advantages. I haven’t always been a backyard gardener, but I have grown to love the work and results. There is something about planting a seed in the ground and watching it grow and produce fruit or a vegetable, that is very rewarding. Gardening can allow you to exercise many qualities that are important to your well-being: patience, routine care and nutrition, and sunlight, to mention a few. Gardening comes in many forms: pot gardening (indoors or outdoors), raised bed, or just straight in the dirt. You can start with one small plant or herb and expand as time permits. Consider gardening as a part of your tool kit for your overall well-being. If you need the science behind it, here are some facts that support the benefits of gardening.
- Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management
Numerous studies have demonstrated that gardening is a powerful stress-reduction tool. One such study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening significantly reduces cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Engaging in gardening activities like weeding, planting, and nurturing plants encourages relaxation, which can help manage anxiety.
Reference: Ward Thompson, C., Roe, J., Aspinall, P., Mitchell, R., Clow, A., & Miller, D. (2016). More green space is linked to less stress in deprived communities: Evidence from salivary cortisol patterns. Landscape and Urban Planning, 148, 16-25.
- Improved Mood and Emotional Well-Being
Gardening offers a natural mood boost. The act of gardening triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These endorphins can help combat feelings of depression and enhance emotional well-being.
According to a study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Psychology, exposure to green spaces, such as gardens, can lead to increased feelings of contentment and happiness, as well as decreased feelings of anger and frustration.
Reference: Mayer, F. S., Frantz, C. M., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., & Dolliver, K. (2009). Why is nature beneficial? The role of connectedness to nature. Environment and Behavior, 41(5), 607-643.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function
Gardening provides an environment where cognitive function can thrive. The multi-sensory experience of gardening, involving touch, smell, and problem-solving, engages the brain, enhancing cognitive abilities and memory.
A study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease discovered that daily gardening activities could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 36%, making it an excellent preventative measure against cognitive decline.
Reference: Summer, L., & Moulaert, T. (2010). The benefits of gardening and food growing for health and wellbeing. Nutritional Wellbeing, 16.
- Sense of Achievement and Self-Esteem
Gardening offers a tangible sense of accomplishment. As plants grow and thrive under your care, it boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of achievement. Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that even small gardening tasks can lead to increased levels of self-esteem and self-worth.
Reference: Capaldi, C. A., Passmore, H. A., Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Dopko, R. L. (2015). Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention. International Journal of Wellbeing, 5(4), 1-16.
- Social Connection and Community Building
Gardening can also serve as a platform for social interaction. Whether in communal gardens or shared community spaces, gardening fosters connections and a sense of belonging. Social engagement has well-established mental health benefits, including reducing feelings of loneliness and depression.
Reference: Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92-99.
The mental health benefits of gardening are as diverse as the plants themselves. From reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing mood, cognition, and self-esteem, gardening has the potential to transform not only your outdoor space but also your mental well-being. So, roll up your sleeves, dig your hands into the soil, and cultivate your mental wellness through the therapeutic power of gardening. Your mind and spirit will thank you.
P.S. The pics are from my very own garden : )
