If you are spending your time gardening, you probably understand what I mean when I say it feels good – despite the fact that lifting, sweating and tension are involved. Yes, exercise is good for our bodies, but there’s something about digging up dirt while listening to the bird’s soundtrack that lifts my mind. Even the scent of soil and mulch makes me happy.
After all, there is Scientific Reasons For this.
In fact, there is an entire area dedicated to “using plant-based and garden-based activities to identify plant-based garden-based activities and treatment needs,” according to Karen Haney, a horticultural therapy instructor at UCLA Extensions in Long Beach, California.
“The survey shows that 20-30 minutes a week (of gardening) can reduce stress and increase mood, and the benefits can increase one garden more regularly,” says Sarah Thompson, a professionally registered horticultural therapist in Boise, Idaho.
It’s not just outdoors
Yes, the simple act of being in nature can improve your mood and restore focus, but “growing plants, making decisions and looking at the results over time adds a unique layer of meaning and satisfaction that isn’t the case for passive time outdoors.”
Additionally, Thompson says gardening has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting a mild, sense of purpose and achievement.
a Recent research Back up this at the University of Colorado and Boulder University.
Researchers there provided groups of participants with instructional gardening classes, seeds, starter plants and community gardening plots. They had a second group with two years of gardening aside.
The gardening cohort reported strong social connections, low stress levels, and an approximately 7% increase in fiber intake. This has been shown to reduce risk factors for physical and mental illnesses such as depression, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. They also reported a weekly increase of 42 minutes in physical activity, but that non-gardeners did not.
Mindful, rewarding and versatile activities
Previous studies have reached similar findings. For example, in 2020, researchers from the University of Exeter and the Royal Horticultural Society of England discovered it. Gardener’s health and happiness for non-gardeners It is similar to that of residents of wealthier communities than those living in poorer areas.
In addition to promoting mindfulness, rooting current people and providing a sense of accomplishment, Thompson said, “It has also been shown that exposure to sunlight can increase serotonin levels, while contact with the soil introduces beneficial microorganisms associated with mood enhancement.”
So it seems like you’re not going to make a mistake with gardening.
“Physically, gardening improves strength, flexibility and balance. Socially, it can promote connection. Cognitively, it involves problem-solving and creativity,” Thompson said, adding that it is a highly adaptable activity.
“Gardening can be expanded to suit any space, abilities or age, and the benefits are accessible to anyone,” she said.
Deep down, our gardeners have always believed this. Now we have the science to prove it.
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Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the Associated Press and publishes her award-winning weekly dirt newsletter. You can sign up here For weekly gardening tips and advice.
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