Gardening Helps the Soul and the Brain

We all know that getting outside and staying active is good for us, but did you know gardening is good for mental health? That’s right. Along with displaying fresh-cut flowers or biting into a juicy, homegrown tomato, gardening has numerous health and wellness benefits. In this article, we examine why gardening is good for your body, your soul and your brain health.

Physical Benefits of Gardening

There are multiple physical reasons why you should take up gardening. Did you know that gardening is an excellent form of aerobic exercise? According to the Royal College of Physicians, you can burn as many calories working in the garden as in the gym. And your garden offers more delights!

Inactivity is one of the world’s leading causes of premature death, so getting more active is a smart choice. Studies show that gardening can be more effective than other forms of exercise in increasing your lifespan, as it works all the major muscle groups.

Gardening can also help you maintain or even improve your hand strength. Working with plants keeps your hands strong and your fingers nimble, and helps with fine motor coordination.

Gardening and Mental Health

While the physical benefits of gardening are impressive, the link between gardening and mental health is even more compelling. A University of Minnesota study reported on why humans seek a connection to the natural world. The study found that gardening benefits our brains and helps heal our souls, making us feel better overall. Here are the main reasons why gardening is good for mental health:

1. 1. Gardening exposes us to vitamin D. A 2014 study found gardening is one way to easily maintain sufficient vitamin D levels. A deficiency of this essential nutrient can lead to depression. So, take sensible precautions while you are out in the sunshine and plant those flowers to feel better!
2. 2. Gardening makes us feel happier. The University of Minnesota study also found that mycobacterium vaci, a microorganism found in the soil, stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, improving our mood. So, digging in the dirt is actually good for you.
3. 3. Gardening reduces stress and anxiety. We are bombarded with negativity from news stories and social media. We each have personal stressors. To maintain our mental health, we need a way to relax and let go. Gardening can not only reduce depression, but it can lessen stress and anxiety, leading to an increase in your quality of life. Gardening really is good for your mental health and your soul.
4. 4. Gardening decreases the risk of dementia. We all know that staying active, working word puzzles and reducing alcohol intake can lower the risk of dementia. However, an Australian study found that daily gardening is one of the best ways to prevent future dementia.

Gardening is a mindfulness activity, allowing us to focus on the things around us as we work with our hands. Pay attention to your surroundings the next time you step outside to water the plants or pluck fresh tomatoes from the vines. Listen to the birds, smell the air, touch the leaves and nibble on edible plants.

See the benefits of gardening for yourself by heading to your local nursery to choose your favorite plants. Residents of Friends Village have beautiful porches or patios in their apartments or cottages, each ideal for growing a selection of New Jersey native plants. Whether it’s a gorgeous spray of purple American bellflowers, a vining trumpet creeper, pots of sunny yellow Maryland golden asters or delicious Jersey tomatoes, you can reap the benefits of gardening for your mental health. Contact us today to arrange a tour of our welcoming community.