Gardening Could Reduce Stress Levels

We know the foods we eat can have a positive effect on our health, but what about growing our own food?

 

Is there any real benefit to growing your own food instead of buying it?

 

In short, yes, there may be one significant advantage, but it isn’t that the produce you grow is somehow healthier. It’s the fact that you’re outside gardening that holds the true benefit.

 

Did you know that gardening could reduce stress levels and improve overall health?

 

It’s true. Several studies have found gardening outside can reduce cortisol levels and help alleviate stress [1] [2].

 

In today’s face-paced society, it’s all too easy to become burdened with stress and pressure. It’s becoming a major problem, and it needs to be addressed.

 

What helps you unwind and de-stress?

 

Turns out there are some basic tasks that have proven to be highly effective at reducing stress, and gardening is one of them.

 

It may be as simple of a remedy as getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and working on a more leisurely project (if you can call gardening leisurely 😉 ).

 

However, there appears to be a far greater benefit to gardening than other pastimes. When compared to reading a novel inside, gardening outside had a much great effect on reducing stress levels.

 

Research has found that engaging in tasks in nature (such as gardening) is beneficial to overall health, though the exact science isn’t conclusive as to why.

 

A recent study found therapeutic horticulture can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can also improve social function.

 

Gardening is a great activity for all age levels. One study found that adolescents who garden are more physically active (promoting health) as well as mental well-being. On top of the health benefits from getting out and gardening, these youth were also found to have a healthier diet, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Gardening can be a lot of fun, and it is a great way to get outside and also gain control of the food you’re eating. Maybe it’s just pride in your hard work, but somehow fruits and vegetables always taste better when you grow them yourself with love. 😉

 

So, this year do yourself a favour and start your very own garden!

 

p.s. If you don’t have outdoor space, most towns have community gardens where you can rent garden space for the season at a low rate.