Gardening has been a part of human life for thousands of years. While our ancestors relied on tilling the land for food and survival, many of us today have made indoor gardening a rewarding hobby. But do you harvest fresh fragrant vegetables and colorful fragrant flowers from your home garden? According to scientific studies, gardening gives you many health benefits. Read on for 10 science-backed ways to garden that are good for you.
1. Cognitive stimulation
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Research shows that gardening is good for mental health. The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, measured neurodevelopmental status in the blood of garden participants before and after 20 minutes of gardening activities such as digging, fertilizing, pruning, planting or watering. They found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and platelet-derived growth factor increased significantly after gardening. This shows that gardening can be beneficial for improving memory.
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2. Reducing stress
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Ask any avid gardener what their happy place is, and they'll probably tell you it's their favorite flower or garden. But the claim that gardening relieves stress isn't just a myth. Many studies have linked stress reduction to gardening and other outdoor activities. For example, a 2011 study found that gardening can lower cortisol levels and restore positive mood, suggesting that gardening can relieve high levels of stress.
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3. Complete nutrition
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Our mothers spoke the truth: vegetables are good for us! Eating 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day reduces disease and death. Growing fruits and vegetables can be a great way to increase your healthy food intake. A 2021 study found that school gardening activities and programs have a positive impact on children's eating habits and vegetable consumption, leading to better nutrition.
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4. Improving mood
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From exercise to the beautiful smells and relaxing views of the outdoors, gardening provides a combination of activity and sensory stimulation that creates a nurturing, therapeutic environment that elevates mood and reduces stress and depression. A 2017 Meta-analysis looked at the health effects of gardening and found that gardening can help reduce levels of depression, anxiety and stress.
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5. Support of the immune system
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Despite the benefits of indoor gardening, spending time outdoors in the garden allows you to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, our skin produces vitamin D, which is a key ingredient in maintaining a healthy immune system. However, sunlight not only provides vitamin D, but also helps fight infection. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, exposure to light increases the activity of our immune system's T cells, allowing them to better travel around the body. Remember that excessive exposure to sunlight is harmful. When gardening, be sure to use sunscreen to avoid overexposure to UV rays.
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6. Physical activity
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Gardening is not a frivolous activity. Active movements associated with gardening, such as bending, lifting, digging and pulling, improve strength, balance and flexibility. A 2011 study found that gardening provides exercise and other moderate physical activity that improves fitness in older adults. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that gardening can reduce falls in older adults.
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7. Increase focus and concentration
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Watching a plant slowly grow is a mindful exercise that requires patience and improves concentration. In addition, there is evidence that even the properties of the soil help to improve our attention and concentration. A 2022 study found that participants' attention and cognitive abilities improved significantly after sowing seeds containing the beneficial bacteria Streptomyces rimosus, which is commonly found in soil.
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8. Positive body image
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Some of the benefits of gardening may not be obvious. Example: Developing respect and appreciation for your body and its functions. In 2020, a groundbreaking study published in Ecopsychology examined how a plant-based diet and exposure to the natural environment affect positive body image, which is linked to emotional well-being and physical strength. The study found that spending time gardening increased body satisfaction, and gardeners had a more positive body image than non-gardeners.
Related: 20 Totally Free Ways to Start a Garden This Year
9. Social interaction
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While some people prefer the peace and quiet of a private garden at home, gardening doesn't have to be an activity in itself. From community gardens to garden clubs and garden-focused events, gardening offers many opportunities for community engagement and social interaction. Scott and others. He looked at how gardening relates to positive aging in older adults and found that gardening promotes social interaction and helps people connect with other gardeners and build meaningful relationships. This can increase the sense of community and reduce social isolation.
Related: 12 camps and workshops on gardening and DIY for adults
10. Recovery after illness
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Therapeutic horticulture, also known as therapeutic horticulture, is a treatment method that uses plants and horticultural practices to help patients recover from illness and improve their physical and mental health. Studies have shown that gardening as therapy can be beneficial for many patients, including those with mental illness, chronic pain, addictions and other conditions such as stroke. A 2016 research paper found that stroke patients who participate in gardening increase their participation in the rehabilitation process and increase motivation and overall well-being.
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