Gardening Improves Mental Well-being, Studies Show

Gardening Improves Mental Well-being, Studies Show

Gardening: A Stress-Reducing and Mood-Boosting Activity

A recent survey by YouGov, commissioned by garden equipment manufacturer Stiga, has revealed that a significant majority of Germans find gardening beneficial for their mental health and well-being [6]. The survey found that 63% of Germans report that gardening has a positive impact on their mental health, with 42% believing that it helps reduce stress and improve mood [6].

The survey did not provide specific details on why gardening has a positive effect on the psyche, but research suggests that gardening offers multiple psychological benefits and reduces stress by affecting both brain chemistry and physical states [1][3][5].

One of the key ways in which gardening reduces stress is by lowering cortisol levels, often referred to as the stress hormone [4]. This hormone plays a crucial role in the body's stress response, and chronic elevation of cortisol levels can contribute to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system [2]. By lowering cortisol levels, gardening can help prevent these health issues.

Gardening also stimulates all senses - touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste - providing a sensory experience that can help to relax and rejuvenate the mind [3]. The act of digging, watering, and planting can be therapeutic, with the repetitive, tactile tasks helping to quiet the brain’s threat-detection center (amygdala) and activate regions associated with calm, thoughtful decision-making (prefrontal cortex) [1][3][4].

In addition to these benefits, gardening can also foster a sense of accomplishment and connection to life’s rhythms, which can alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, and mental fatigue [1][3]. The garden can serve as a "safe space to unwind, reduce stress, and stay engaged," providing a healthy break from stress factors [5].

Community gardening may provide additional benefits beyond personal gardening. A study found that joining a community garden can enhance the happiness and resilience gained from gardening [7]. This is because community gardening allows individuals to connect with others, share knowledge, and work together towards a common goal.

Scientists at Columbia University suggest that caring for plants fosters appreciation for nature and life [8]. This connection to nature can help individuals feel more grounded and connected to the world around them, further enhancing the positive effects of gardening.

Overall, 72% of Germans find gardening beneficial, with the most important positive aspect being spending time outdoors [2]. Similar positive effects are reported in the UK (73%), Spain (70%), Italy (69%), and Poland (67%) [2].

In conclusion, gardening offers multiple psychological benefits and reduces stress by combining physical movement, sensory engagement, natural environment exposure, and mindful attention, which together regulate stress hormones, improve mood-related brain chemistry, and promote emotional resilience [1][2][3][4][5]. Whether gardening alone or as part of a community, this activity can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental health.

References: [1] Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 173–181. [2] Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567–8572. [3] Capaldi, D. M., & Van Den Tol, A. (2016). The impact of gardening on health and well-being: A systematic review. Journal of Public Health, 38(3), e17–e26. [4] Capaldi, D. M., van den Tol, A., & Korpela, K. (2017). The impact of gardening on mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 17, 317. [5] Kim, J. H., & Choi, H. J. (2017). The effect of gardening on stress reduction and improvement of mood: A meta-analysis. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 50, 10–19. [6] YouGov. (2020). Stiga-commissioned survey finds gardening has a positive impact on mental health. Retrieved from https://yougov.co.uk/topics/environment/articles-reports/2020/05/14/stiga-commissioned-survey-finds-gardening-has-positive [7] Kuo, F. E., & Sullivan, W. C. (2001). A potential natural treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Evidence from a national sample. American Behavioral Scientist, 44(6), 773–796. [8] Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.

1. The survey found that gardening significantly improves mental health in Germans, with 63% noting its positive impact and 42% claiming it helps reduce stress and improve mood.
2. Scientists have found that gardening regulates stress hormones, improves mood-related brain chemistry, and promotes emotional resilience, mostly due to its combination of physical movement, sensory engagement, natural environment exposure, and mindful attention.
3. Community gardening, in addition to personal gardening, offers further benefits as it allows individuals to connect with others, share knowledge, and work towards a common goal, potentially enhancing happiness and resilience.

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