The Physical and Mental Benefits of Gardening

Over the last several years, the popularity of natural produce and organic products has grown exponentially. More people are rediscovering the enjoyable pastime of maintaining their own gardens right in their own backyards. Between cleaner eating options and the healthy advantages of physical labor, gardening provides a fair amount of benefits to our physical and mental health. It’s no wonder that we are going back to our roots to cultivate a healthier future through gardening.

The two major categories of our health include physical health, pertaining to the strength and overall wellness of our bodies, and our mental health which relates to our emotional well-being. Gardening incorporates elements that improve both of these areas of our health. So the next time you clip those hedges or spread out new soil, consider these surprising ways that gardening can impact your health for the better.

Physical Benefits

It’s obvious that gardening packs a significant workout routine. It requires something from nearly every major muscle group we have. We trim, prune, pull, plant, and water, which means we walk, stretch, twist, bend, and tighten our muscles while we are gardening. In fact, according to professor Clyde Williams at Loughborough University, you can burn the same amount of calories during a three hour span of gardening, as you would during an hour-long workout routine at the gym. Plus, who wouldn’t prefer a little color and fresh air to spruce up their workout? Of course, as with any physical exercise, you would need to participate in gardening activities multiple times a week, for at least thirty minutes a day in order to count it as the majority of your weekly exercise routine. You will also want to do some stretches before you begin, and drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated in the heat.

While you explore your new gardening physical fitness plan, take advantage of your new horticulture skills by eating some of the fruits and vegetables you grow in your garden. Homegrown, natural produce can be the healthiest option for your diet. And surely the sense of excitement and accomplishment from a successful garden will pair well with any of the edible creations you grow.

Mental Benefits

Since physical exercise and healthy eating habits are good for your bodily health, they will naturally affect your mental health as well. For example, exercise and gardening are both known for their ability to turn a stress-filled day into a calming and relaxed one. That’s because of something called endorphins, which are released in the brain when we engage in physical activities like gardening, and help us feel more positive emotions. Also, filling your diet with options like fruits and vegetables may help improve your memory, increase your alertness, and prevent future illnesses. So by planting and harvesting, you are sowing into your future and reaping the mental health benefits. 

For those who struggle with depression, gardening can be one of the best healthy treatments available. While taking care of plants and flowers, you gain a sense of purpose, a stronger awareness of responsibility for another living thing, the honor of nurturing something to allow it to grow, and some quiet, personal time that isn’t steeped in worry or caught up in the daily to-do list. It’s the perfect way to destress and relax, while you soak in some much needed, sun-inspired Vitamin D.

So put on your gardening gloves, fill the watering can, and grab the clippers. Nurture your health while surrounding it with life in the garden. Allow gardening to improve your physical and mental health.

article submitted by Maria Cannon freelance garden journalist