Connecting with nature is a powerful tool, and research suggests that several hours of gardening each week can have a positive impact on mental health. In some parts of the UK, GPS is beginning to use “green prescriptions” that include treatment community gardening to help patients manage issues such as anxiety and depression.
While there are many benefits to gardening, here are four ways that have been proven to improve health and well-being.
1. Relieve stress
Research shows that gardeners have even lower stress levels than those who participate in other relaxing activities. This is because gardening is a great way to distract you and focus on the work at hand. When gardening, your mind is focused on caring for your plants, digging vegetable patches, or pruning shrubs. And simply enjoying a peaceful green space is a great way to relax and relax.
2. Improve brain health
Research has linked gardening to better brain health and lower risk of degenerative brain disease. This is because physical activity, problem solving and sensory awareness all contribute to healthy brain function. It’s good to know that war with weeds is not completely useless. It also helps to keep your brain active and healthy.
3. Provide exercise
Gardening will move you out. The kind of exercise you get in the garden is completely different from what you might experience at the gym. You can burn over 300 calories per hour with all the bending, stretching and lifting you need in your average garden. We all know that exercise increases the levels of the “feeling” chemicals serotonin and dopamine in your nervous system.
4. Raise your mood
Gardeners acknowledge that, no matter how small or large, they often feel pride and satisfaction in their gardens. This has been proven to increase self-esteem, raise mood and contribute to better happiness. And people who don’t normally call themselves “creative” can discover unexpected affinities with plants, and are amazed at how they can achieve. The wonderful sensations that come from making beautiful things and growing delicious things are precious.
Spending time outside, working as an assignment, or participating in the garden of a local community is a great way to connect with nature and improve your health and well-being. Don’t know where to start? Check out “What should I do in my garden this month?” for ideas about sowing and growing.
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Lead image: Lavender “Sensenal” from T&M (© Plantipp/Visions BV Netherlands)
The Thompson & Morgan Horticultural team produces a wealth of content on gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was released in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown into one of the UK’s largest mail-order seed and plant companies. Through publishing catalogs and running an award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the highest quality products that money can buy.
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