The Benefits of Gardening for your Mental Health

|The benefits of being outdoors in the fresh air, surrounded by nature and the calmness of life cannot be understated. There is something about getting your hands dirty in the garden or while potting plants that can bring a sense of peace and contentment to ones life. Whether you have a small balcony or indoor space to grow, or you have an outdoor garden, you will be able to gain from the benefits of gardening for your own mental health. In this article we will explore some of the mental health benefits of gardening.

Please note: If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. The links in this article may be affiliate links that I will be compensated for at no additional cost to  you.

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The Benefits of Gardening for your Mental Health

The act of planting seeds in soil to produce your own harvest to survive has been around for over 20,000 when humans decided to switch from a nomadic lifestyle to cultivating a society in one area. Gardens in ancient Egypt were not only a source of food, but also culture and lifestyle, as they were often places of great beauty and signified wealth and relaxation.

In the present day, people still enjoy gardens for similar reasons, and while it is easy to drive to the grocery store to buy your produce, many people take great pride in growing their own food. Let's explore some of the many benefits of gardening at home, and how you can get started.

1. Stress Relief

Chances are you live a busy life with many responsibilities at work or with your family. Often times we are so busy creating a life and ensuring that we have the funds to continue paying for our lifestyle or the next purchase or vacation, that it can become difficult to slow down and unwind. Gardening is an activity that takes time and patience, and can be a great hobby to pick up if you need a healthy distraction away from a computer, with the added benefit of watching your hard work and patience grow into a delicious harvest.

2. Improve Mood

There have been studies that show that green-care or exposure to gardening or photos of plants and nature can benefit ones mood by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and pain. Whether you are gardening outside in the elements, or in a greenhouse, you are also enjoying more fresh air than you typically would if you were indoors working. For some, just the feeling of dirt on your hands brings a sense of peace and can uplift mood. Not to mention that you will get more sun exposure which in itself can boost your energy, while giving you mental clarity.

Related: ​The Interplay Between Physical Wellness and Mental Well-Being

3. A Sense of Community

Humans are social creatures, and even if you are an introvert at heart, it can feel good to find others with similar interests and who are willing to share their knowledge and passion, such as for a hobby like gardening, with others. Whether you find individuals in your community or neighbourhood to trade tips on how to achieve a bigger yield of crops, or if you decide to trade carrots for beets, connecting with others on your shared interest in gardening can boost your overall mental health and well-being.

4. Exercise

It's no secret that gardening can be a lot of physical work. You are lifting and bending and using your body in ways that you would not usually if you were stationary or working at a desk. This light exercise can have huge benefits for your physical health which in turn promotes your mental health. If you are looking for motivation to move your body more, but struggle with typical forms of exercise, gardening can be an ideal way to introduce physical exertion into your life as activity that is fun and produces a healthy meal that you can share with others.

Are you interested in gardening but not sure where to get started?

You can find many videos on YouTube with step-by-step guides on how to start a garden, and what types of food are best suited for the area of the world you are located. Raised beds can be a great option for beginner gardeners. Check out the video below to find some inspiration!
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Truthfully, there are many more benefits that gardening can produce for a persons mental health, and continue to provide each season, or throughout the year with indoor herb gardens, greenhouses, or even by increasing your houseplant collection. The trick is to get started and discover the benefits for yourself. Happy planting!
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