Health benefits of gardening: Why it is a good exercise to improve mood, focus

Did you know that nurturing plants can improve your health? Gardening is a relaxing pastime that also offers a wide array of health benefits for both the mind and body. Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, or simply spending time in nature, gardening provides a natural way to boost your well-being. In fact, research shows that engaging with green spaces and plants can positively impact your health in many ways. From reducing stress to improving physical fitness, gardening is a simple yet powerful tool for better health.

According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gardening and exposure to green spaces can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even promote physical recovery. Research suggests that spending time with plants can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve cognitive function.

Moreover, gardening offers a combination of physical activity and therapeutic interaction with nature, creating a balance that benefits both mental and physical health. Studies show that people who garden regularly experience greater well-being, making it an effective and accessible way to address a variety of health issues.

Also read | Gardening tips: Add stackable plants to your kitchen garden

Gardening is an excellent way to get physical exercise without the need for a gym. Tasks like digging, weeding, and raking engage multiple muscle groups, improving strength, flexibility, and endurance (image: Canva)

• Boosts mental health: Gardening has been shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Just being around plants can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Engaging in gardening activities like planting, weeding, or simply observing nature helps calm the mind, improving mood and reducing negative emotions. For those suffering from mental health conditions, gardening can be a therapeutic and relaxing way to regain a sense of peace.

• Promotes physical health: Gardening is an excellent way to get physical exercise without the need for a gym. Tasks like digging, weeding, and raking engage multiple muscle groups, improving strength, flexibility, and endurance. Additionally, gardening can burn as many calories as a workout in the gym, making it an enjoyable and effective alternative for those looking to stay active. For older adults or those with physical limitations, gardening provides a low-impact way to stay fit and maintain mobility.

• Improves social connect: Gardening can help foster social connections. Community gardens, gardening clubs, and therapeutic gardening programs offer opportunities for socialising and building relationships. Working together in a garden helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, particularly for people with mental health issues or disabilities.

• Improves cognitive function: Gardening can have benefits for cognitive health, especially in older adults. Regular gardening has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The mental stimulation involved in planning garden layouts, learning about different plants, and problem-solving while caring for the garden keeps the brain active. This cognitive engagement helps to preserve mental sharpness and prevent deterioration over time.

• Promotes better sleep: The physical exertion from gardening, combined with exposure to natural sunlight, can improve sleep quality. Sunlight helps regulate the body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy restful sleep throughout the night. Additionally, the reduction in anxiety and stress from gardening can contribute to better sleep patterns, making it a natural remedy for those struggling with insomnia or sleep disturbances.