Gardening why

Gardening is your cure! The study divided two groups between gardening for thirty minutes and reading indoors after performing a stressful task. Those that gardened reported to be in a much better mood than the group that read.

One wonders if the readers would have felt better reading outside. The reason for the improved moods of gardeners might be found in the soil itself. Within the soil is a naturally forming and harmless bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae.

When used in studies, this bacteria raises serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter that controls cognitive functions and mood. In fact, gardening has been used by researchers in Norway to help patients with severe depression. In all cases the patients experienced improved moods; even several months after the studies took place. There is nothing more rewarding than planting and maintaining a vibrant vegetable garden and basking in the abundance of a fresh harvest.

As most who garden can attest, the taste of fresh vegetables is far superior to anything you can purchase at the supermarket. There really is no comparison. A well planted and well maintained tomato plant can provide months of fresh tomatoes for your kitchen. Beyond their uses on your kitchen table, gardeners can use their skills in the garden for their medicine cabinets as well.

Many natural herbal remedies can be made at home and offer simple methods for treating minor complaints. Anyone who has suffered from sunburn can attest to how soothing a small amount of sap from an aloe plant can be. I can hear you thinking it now. I exercise regularly, eat great, and am generally happy in life without gardening. Gardening is a hobby that provides a feeling of accomplishment and reward for those who do it. The sense of accomplishment that comes with a successful garden allows us to focus on the beautiful things in life.

The feelings of abundance when we harvest armfuls of tomatoes and cucumbers; the feelings of awe we have when a seedling we planted at a young age grows with us into adulthood to the massive shade tree that it is now. We become grateful for all of the things we can accomplish.

We spoke to charities who use gardening to help people with mental health problems and asked them what the direct effects of gardening had on their mental health, the responses were positive and inspiring! Ecominds was created by the mental health charity Mind.

Between and , the charity funded eco-projects across England and many of these projects still remain active with ecotherapy offering a wide range of programmes aimed at improving mental and physical well-being through activities in nature. Ecotherapy helps to manage existing mental health problems and takes place in both rural and urban settings, such as parks, gardens, farms and woodlands.

It can include activities that focus on working in nature, such as a conservation project, gardening or farming. Reduced risk of stroke 2. Burns calories 3. Stress relief 4. Improved immune system 5.

Responsibility 6. Live in the moment 7. Free anger therapy 8. Sensory 9. Growing fruit and vegetables Decreases osteoporosis Reduced risk of dementia An altered state of consciousness. Many people take pride in their gardens. They are keen green thumbs who enjoy the smell of fresh flowers whilst gardening. But with that comes health benefits.

So, what are the 12 reasons why gardening is good for you? Did you know that gardening such as pulling weeds and planting flowers can cause you to burn calories per hour? On the other hand, if you mow the lawn, you could burn between calories per hour. Not only can gardening be an effective form of workout, but it can also benefit your mental health too.

On this page. Gardening improves fitness and health Learning in the garden Family gardening Community gardening Gardening and mental health Visiting gardens Where to get help Things to remember.

Working in the garden provides benefits that include: Enjoyment — from the physical activity Exercise — improves your endurance, strength, mobility and flexibility, and mental health Relaxation — helps you relax and reduce stress levels Fresh food — provides you and your family with a healthy variety of inexpensive fresh food. Getting involved in gardening can be as simple as: Going for a walk in a garden with a friend Creating your own small pot garden or larger vegetable garden Getting involved in a community gardening group Supporting a friend or neighbour by helping to tend their garden Volunteering — for example, in a school or public garden.

Gardening improves fitness and health Most people can benefit from creating a garden — it is an enjoyable form of activity, maintains mobility and flexibility, and encourages use of all motor skills through walking, reaching, bending, digging, planting seeds and taking cuttings.

Learning in the garden Whatever your age or level of ability, you can enjoy gardening, have fun and develop new skills, including: Responsibility — from caring for and tending plants Understanding — learning about cause and effect for example, plants die without water Self-confidence — from achieving goals and enjoying the food you have grown Love of nature — from learning about the outdoor environment in a safe and pleasant place Reasoning and discovery — learning about the science of plants, animals, weather, the environment, nutrition and simple construction Physical activity — which is fun and good for your fitness Cooperation — including shared activity and teamwork Creativity — from finding new and exciting ways to grow food Nutrition — learning about sources of fresh food and how to cook the food you grow in the garden.

Family gardening By gardening as a family, adults can share their skills and knowledge with children, and family members can learn together. Community gardening Working in a community garden can give you a sense of belonging. The benefits of community gardens include: Knowledge sharing Social activity — meet local people and develop friendships Physical activity Participation and communication Activities that foster self-help Nutritional health Supportive environments that promote social inclusion for example, for frail, older people, people with disabilities, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Gardening and mental health Gardening is good for your mental health.

Gardening can help with depression in several ways, including: Being outdoors in a pleasant environment Working with other people and reducing isolation Caring for plants and investing in their future Experiencing the joy and satisfaction of harvesting produce from the garden Visiting gardens Visiting a garden can give you a great sense of well-being.

Getting involved can be as simple as going for a walk in a garden with a friend. More information here. Why gardening makes you happy and cures depression, , Permaculture College Australia. Soil bacteria work In similar way to antidepressants, , Medical News Today.

Family gardening tips, Family Education. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all environmental health. Related information. From other websites Cultivating Community. Garden Forever.