4 Health Benefits of Gardening

Did you know that gardening can lower your risk of dementia by over a third? Researchers in New South Wales, Australia, pursued 2,800 senior citizens for 16 years and discovered that those who actively participated in gardening had much lower rates of dementia. 

Spending time outside, getting your hands in the soil, and enjoying the sights, sounds, and scents of a beautiful garden can all reduce stress and elevate your mood. And that's just the beginning—gardening also provides tangible rewards in the form of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Still not convinced? Keep reading to discover four more health benefits of gardening and how this simple hobby can positively impact your life.

#1 It gets you moving

Gardening could actually be classed as moderate-intensity exercise, along with jogging, mountain biking, and lap swimming, and can be just as fun, if not more so. It doesn’t feel like exercise either! Just half an hour can provide the benefits that you need from exercise. Just make sure that you cover up and use a protective natural sunscreen if you are out in the sun for the first time, and don’t overdo it.

The physical activity involved in gardening can range from digging, weeding, and planting to heavier tasks like lifting bags of compost or moving plant pots. These activities get your heart pumping, boost circulation, and improve flexibility. You’re also engaging in weight-bearing exercise, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones as you age. Gardening provides a low-impact way to stay active, making it suitable for people of all ages, including seniors.

As an added benefit, working outdoors provides access to fresh air and sunlight, helping to regulate your body’s internal clock and supporting your vitamin D production. Vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining bone health and can contribute to stronger immunity. Gardening not only tones your muscles but also promotes overall fitness, all while enjoying the beauty of your outdoor space.

#2 Dirt builds up your immune system

Mycobacterium vaccae is a bacterium found in soil. This is one of the good bacteria, the kind that benefits rather than harms our health. Mycobacterium vaccae has been shown in studies to alleviate the symptoms of a variety of illnesses and conditions such as psoriasis, asthma and allergies. Another way gardening benefits your immune system is through the Vitamin D that your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight. 

In addition to these benefits, studies suggest that getting your hands in the soil can help balance your gut microbiome. The good bacteria in soil can boost your immune system, helping you fight off infections and illnesses more efficiently. Exposure to natural elements while gardening, such as dirt and plants, has been shown to increase the body’s natural defences by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which are essential for combatting disease. Gardening, therefore, not only offers a way to reduce stress but also serves as an immune-boosting activity that contributes to overall health and longevity.

#3 It gives you a great mood boost

Being outside in nature, experiencing everything that it has to offer is a massive mood boost. Try it yourself; when you are feeling glum and gloomy, go and spend some time looking at the flowers and watching the comings and goings of the birds and the bees and other wildlife. Even NASA researchers have discovered that tending to plants can adequately handle an individual's negative feelings, such as stress, isolation, and loneliness. While being outside in the fresh air can certainly improve one's mood, the mental health benefits also apply when planting seeds in small indoor pots.

Other research findings have investigated the effects of gardening on cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is commonly known as the "stress hormone." You feel calmer when your levels are lower. Cortisol levels that are lower have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, insomnia, and depression. This makes gardening not only an enjoyable hobby but also an effective therapeutic activity.

Additionally, gardening gives you the chance to disconnect from the digital world. In an era where screen time is often overwhelming, gardening offers an opportunity for mindfulness and a break from technology. This simple act of focusing on the growth of plants and the rhythms of nature can help you relax, clear your mind, and refresh your emotional wellbeing. Gardening provides an immediate and satisfying way to regain a sense of control, boosting your mental health and reducing anxiety.

#4 It can help improve self-confidence

Turning to nature, nurturing something, and watching it grow appears to be nearly fundamental to human well-being. This connection to the natural world also improves people's self-esteem and confidence. After all, what could be more ego-boosting than taking a small, inexplicably inactive seed and planting, watering, and monitoring it until it bears fruit? There is a huge sense of self-worth, pride and purpose. 

Social interaction, physical activity, and the benefits of being outside are all reasons for gardening improving self-confidence. Gardening also offers an opportunity to make something with your hands, which is empowering for many people. As you watch your garden grow and flourish, the success and beauty you create can provide a sense of achievement and fulfilment. These small victories in your garden translate to a stronger sense of self-worth that can positively affect other aspects of life.

Moreover, gardening encourages patience. Watching plants grow slowly over time teaches perseverance, and every bloom or fruit harvested is a testament to your hard work and dedication. For many, gardening provides a sense of control and stability in their lives, especially during uncertain times, enhancing mental resilience and boosting self-confidence.

If you can, get gardening today!

Gardening is a relaxing and therapeutic hobby for many people. Gardening can be a means to escape from the chaos of our daily lives.We tend to forget about the negative thoughts and feelings we may have when we focus on gardening. It allows you to connect with the natural world, nurture life, and see the tangible results of your efforts.

Gardening can improve self-confidence in many way, as well as being a great way to get exercise while doing something that feels productive. Having green plants around can help with mental health because they provide natural light, act as air purifiers, and offer habitat to beneficial insects. Gardening also gives people the chance to get their hands dirty and connect with nature.  It doesn't have to be expoensive either.  Check out these cheap DIY garden ideas to transform your garden on a budget!

The mental health benefits of gardening extend far beyond the act itself. Studies have shown that exposure to greenery and plants can lower levels of anxiety and stress, increase happiness, and improve your emotional wellbeing. Whether you're planting flowers, growing vegetables, or simply enjoying the outdoor space you've created, gardening is a rewarding and enriching activity for both the mind and body.

Enjoy!

Want a beautiful garden, but can’t do the gardening yourself?

Of course, if you want the benefits of a presentable garden but do not have the time, tooling or mobility you could use a local tree surgery and landscaping gardening service to make your garden beautiful. Be sure to call around as they often offer free quotations and site inspections prior to any financial commitment on your part. Google reviews are a great indicator of a reputable service you might consider. Hiring a professional can ensure that you still get the benefits of a beautiful garden without the physical effort required.

Before you go...

Click here for lots more healthy living articles and check out these work-life balance tips for busy people