Published 7 October
In our increasingly urbanized and technology-driven world, finding ways to reconnect with nature is more important than ever. One of the most accessible and rewarding ways to do this is through plants and gardening. Whether it's tending to a small indoor garden or cultivating a larger outdoor space, the act of nurturing plants can have profound positive effects on mental health. Here’s how engaging with plants and gardening can boost your mental well-being.
Gardening and caring for plants have been shown to significantly reduce stress levels. The repetitive and mindful actions involved in planting, watering, and pruning plants can serve as a form of meditation, helping to calm the mind and body. The natural environment of a garden, with its sights, sounds, and smells, also plays a role in reducing cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone. Even spending just a few minutes a day with plants can lead to noticeable reductions in stress and anxiety.
Long term stress triggers a chronic inflammatory response which can physically affect the brain by shrinking the hippocampus (one of the brains structures) influencing our emotions. Stress also affects serotonin and cortisol levels in the brain affecting our mood. These changes trigger depression and anxiety.
Gardening is a versatile physical activity, offering a range from light to moderate exercise through tasks like digging, planting, weeding, and watering. These activities not only enhance physical fitness but also boost mental health by increasing endorphin levels, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The outdoor nature of gardening also promotes exposure to natural light, helping to regulate sleep patterns and reduce fatigue. Beyond the physical benefits, interacting with plants has been shown to improve mood and mental clarity. Being surrounded by greenery can trigger the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that fosters feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, the process of nurturing plants and witnessing their growth instills a sense of accomplishment and purpose, further contributing to overall mental health.
Mental Health professionals are prescribing reading to their clients, the same applies to gardening (or if you want to be fancy “horticultural therapy”) Gardening has been shown to have several positive health outcomes:The best news about taking up gardening is that people report that they are happier after gardening and that there is a long-term benefit in reduction of depression, improved life satisfaction, and improved cognitive function, continuing for three months after gardening therapy. Just the process of gardening, planting, pruning etc has been shown to improve mindfulness. The same applies to caring for house plants.
Even if you do not want to get your hands dirty there are demonstrated benefits of spending time in nature. Research shows that children with ADHD were more focused after a walk in nature if compared to a walk in town.
The effect of engaging and being exposed to plants seems to be profound as it has been shown that just living close to parks, gardens, or forests reduces mental fatigue, lowers stress, and make people feel healthy.
So, get out into nature, take up gardening or just go and buy a pot plant, not only will your house be more beautiful, but it will help build your mental resilience.
Staff Writer