Gardening for health: Why does gardening make us feel better?

When it comes to gardening and mental health, research studies have found that time in nature helps our brains release serotonin and cortisol – reducing feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. The University of Exeter found that individuals who moved to greener areas had ‘significant and long-lasting improvements in mental health’ and the positive effects have been made so clear that Tokyo universities have also called for governments and health organisations to promote gardening for health.  

We all know by now that exercise is good for you – but have you ever wondered if gardening is good exercise? Well according to research, yes, it is. Harvard Health discovered that 30 minutes of gardening is comparable to playing badminton, volleyball or practising yoga. Gardening uses key muscles that will help you to build strength and burn calories. Digging, lifting heavy materials and pushing wheelbarrows has similarities to weight training, with minimal stress on the body. Reaching and bending when tending to your garden will also help to keep you limber over time.  

Scientists have also discovered that the mycobacterium found in soil can help to improve brain function and boost your mood. There’s a lot of interesting research that suggests dirt is good for us, and that dirt-deficiency in childhood can contribute to a spectrum of illnesses and allergies. On top of this, gardening can help to maintain independence and prevent cognitive decline. The health benefits of gardening are broad and diverse, and in 2021 RHS released research that revealed those who garden everyday have a wellbeing score of up to 6.6% higher than people who don’t garden at all.  

Growing you own veg is a great way to ensure you always have an abundance of fresh food to eat. It’s been proven that diets higher in plant foods can lower the risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular disease. On top of this, growing your own produce will help to reduce plastic packaging and food waste – meaning you can feel proud for helping the world around you. It will also give the grandkids the opportunity to get their hands dirty, and growing their own veg can give them a real sense of purpose to get outdoors.  

Finally, gardening can make us feel better as it is a genuinely rewarding activity. It stimulates responsibility and creativity, as you have to maintain and care for your greenery. As most plants and flowers don’t grow overnight, gardening is a hobby that requires patience and it’s a great way to learn the value of hard-work, determination and caring for others. If you’re lucky enough to have your own garden or allotment, then it can become a space that you have almost full control over (apart from the great British weather), which can give you a true feeling of achievement. The idea of ‘giving back’ to nature is one often talked about, and gardening is a fabulous way to do your bit and give back to the environment, whilst feeling good about it. 

And those are just some of the benefits of gardening. If you want to get started and learn about organic gardening, then check out this handy blog. And if you want to discover more of our wellness advice then take a look at our wellness section. Don’t forget if you’d like any advice from HSL then you can book a free home visit or come into one of our showrooms.