Never thought that spending some time getting your hands and knees dirty could improve your health? Well, perhaps it’s time to rethink why you should be spending more time with the ‘skin of the earth’.
Why Is Gardening Good For You?
Would you believe us if we said that out of all professions, gardeners and florists are among the happiest? Research from UK job satisfaction surveys – often cited by behavioural scientist Paul Dolan – suggests exactly that, with people in these roles reporting higher levels of day-to-day happiness.
And it’s not just about the work itself. A study conducted by Dr Nancy Etcoff revealed that when fresh cut flowers were present in a home, people felt more compassionate towards each other, had fewer worries and anxiety and felt less depressed.
The Tri-Factor:
Flowers feed compassion – participants who had fresh-cut flowers experienced an increase in feelings of compassion and kindness towards others.
Flowers chase away anxieties – participants in the study felt less negative after having flowers in their home for just a few days. Seeing the blooms in the morning became something participants looked forward to.
A boost of energy, happiness and enthusiasm – researchers also found that having flowers at home can have a carry-over impact on your mood at work, too. They found that people were more likely to feel happier and have more enthusiasm and energy at their place at work, as flowers brightened up their home.
READ MORE: 5 Science-Backed Benefits Of ‘Grandma Hobbies’
Get Grounded
We hear it all the time: get outside, connect with nature. But even something as simple as stepping into your own garden can make a measurable difference.
Spending time in the garden has been linked to lower stress levels, improved mood and better overall well-being. A large 2024 review of over 40 studies found that gardening has a significant positive impact on mental well-being, quality of life and general health.
Even more interesting? You don’t need to be a seasoned plant parent to feel the effects. One study found that even beginners experienced reduced stress, anxiety and depression after taking part in regular gardening sessions.
And yes, getting your hands dirty may play a role too. Early research suggests certain soil microbes could influence mood and immune function, although this is still an emerging area of science.
But it’s not just your mind that benefits – your body gets a workout too. According to WebMD, activities like digging, planting and weeding can burn roughly 200 to 400 calories per hour, depending on intensity. In other words, you’re moving more than you think without it feeling like a workout.
Gardening Can…
- Lower blood pressure
- Support cognitive function and focus
- Have a calming effect on one’s mood
- Positively affect mental health
- Counter stress and anxiety
- Be associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart disease in older adults
- Help reverse “attention fatigue”
- Create a sense of purpose, satisfaction and achievement
A Norwegian study found that people diagnosed with depression, persistent low mood, or “bipolar disorder” spent six hours a week growing flowers and vegetables. Results? After three months, half the participants had experienced a measurable improvement in their symptoms.
Surprisingly, this mood continued three months after the program concluded.
Better Than Yoga?
Spending time in nature is thought to enhance meditation practices by focusing the mind. Gardening has been credited as a type of meditation (similar to yoga) that focuses on being present in the moment.
Zen gardens are perfect for reflection and contemplation, similar to yoga, where your senses are awakened, you enter the present moment and you move to ‘the zone’.
READ MORE: 8 Easy Yoga Moves To Relieve Stress
Weed Out the Creativity
No need to read books on how to spark that creative side of you, gardening is the answer. It helps inspire creativity and allows individuals to express themselves in unique ways. It offers an outlet to connect with oneself, your dreams and passion by creating a space to grow, reflect and nurture.
Being creative equals happy humans. Several studies have found that gardeners eat more fruit and vegetables than their peers and people who grow their food tend to eat and be healthier…
Time to wipe the dust off those garden shears, gloves and start planting!
