Why Gardening is Good for Your Mental Health

Scientists have now proven with various scientific studies what many garden enthusiasts have known for ages - there are multiple health benefits to gardening and connecting to nature. Gardening is even more healthy for you than you thought! It’s not just physical health that improves with gardening, studies now show there are many mental benefits as well.

The benefits of “green exercise” show that people who take their exercise outdoors feel significantly less depressed, less tense, less angry, and less fatigued than those who stay indoors. In fact, a study published in Journal of Health Psychology (2011) found that people who spent just 30 minutes gardening had lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and reported feeling less stressed compared to those who spent the same amount of time reading indoors. These problems are linked more broadly to what health care experts call the “epidemic of inactivity,” and a devaluing of ecological and social interaction. However, we believe these studies also show that society’s nature-deficit disorder can be reversed.

Every day more studies are released on the benefits ecotherapy has on children, teenagers, and adults, relieving stress, decreasing ADD, ADHD, and various mental health illnesses, as well as helping our bodies fight illness and dis-ease. A 2014 study in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that gardening boosts immune function, which helps the body fight off infections and inflammation. The use of the outdoors for well-being is becoming increasingly popular as we discover more and more the benefits of natural medicine, clean forest air, and our interaction with our environment.

Even a small windowsill garden or maintaining houseplants can boost your mood and encourage healthy brain function. A 2016 study published in PLOS ONE revealed that gardening activities can improve mood and mental well-being, acting similarly to other therapeutic interventions like exercise or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Extra bonus points for digging your hands into the dirt and interacting with the plants – a study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) found that gardening can also improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults.

Read on to see some of the surprising mental benefits of gardening:

Reduces Depression and Stress –

Spending time in green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and brain fatigue. Research published in PLOS ONE (2016) found that gardening reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, often more effectively than indoor activities.

Provides Mental Clarity

Utilizing the senses to distinguish natural sounds and smells encourages the brain to use cognition and reasoning and improves mental clarity. Nature helps us disconnect from the stressors of our everyday lives and facilitates spiritual connections by engaging our senses and quieting our minds. A 2011 study in Journal of Attention Disorders highlighted that nature-based activities like gardening improved focus and attention in children with ADHD.

Improves Mental Outlook

Post-surgical patients with window views of nature have shorter hospital stays, receive fewer negative evaluations, and take fewer pain medications than patients in similar rooms with windows facing a brick wall. Residents with houseplants reported less depression and suicidal tendencies. A study in BMC Geriatrics (2015) found that gardening significantly improved mood and cognitive function in older adults, including those with dementia. Also, in a study of college students, it was noted that students with natural views from their windows are more likely to score higher on tests. Just seeing greenery improves the mood and mental outlook.

Improves Attention

The effect of walking through a garden or park is equal to the peak effect of two typical ADD/ADHD medications. A study in Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2013) found that moderate gardening activities can increase cognitive function, memory, and focus in individuals of all ages.

Increases Energy and Reduces Fatigue

Adults that garden just 15 minutes a day show increased energy and cite reduced fatigue and stress. Gardening has been linked to increased cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength, and as noted in a 2007 study published in American Journal of Public Health, these physical benefits help to improve overall well-being.

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As if you needed more reason to enjoy your garden than the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables, now you know that it’s improving your mental health and outlook on life as well.

So go on, dig in the dirt and sing the praises of your hard work – it’s good for you!