Backyard Gardening Improves Your Mental Health; Having backyard gardening can be a great way to improve your mental health. It boosts your levels of vitamin D, reduces depression and anxiety, and helps you to develop a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
Reduces depression and anxiety
Backyard gardening has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety. People who garden have higher levels of serotonin and are more likely to feel happy. Serotonin is a natural antidepressant and helps strengthen the immune system.
A study published in the Ecopsychology journal in 2015 investigated the psychological benefits of gardening. Researchers from the University of Florida and Wilmot Botanical Gardens conducted the study. They compared the benefits of gardening to those of art-making.
The results showed that participants in both groups experienced significant benefits from gardening and art-making. Their mental health scores improved with every session. Participants also reported lower anxiety and a reduction in perceived stress.
This research builds on previous studies that have shown that gardening can help people who are suffering from preexisting mental health conditions. It is considered to be a cost-effective alternative to more traditional treatment.
Compared to art-making, participants in the garden-based therapy session showed similar benefits. They reported a reduction in Trait subscales of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults, and reductions in depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances.
Promotes togetherness and makes personal connections
Whether you are looking to ward off the winter blues, or improve your mental well-being, you can do so with a judicious dose of nature. The University of Exeter Medical School conducted a study that found that the use of green spaces for psychological interventions could be a win-win. In addition to reducing stress and improving overall health, gardening can also help you to see your neighbors, which can be a positive for some individuals.
One of the most important aspects of a community garden is the sense of belonging. By cultivating a sense of belonging, people become more likely to engage in the activities that matter. Among other benefits, the sense of belonging has been shown to lower anxiety and depression, and to boost confidence.
As a result, the ability to make personal connections is a benefit for all. Whether you are working with others in a professional setting, or collaborating with friends and family on a backyard project, you are more likely to achieve your goals.
Boosts levels of vitamin D
If you have a yard, you might want to consider boosting the levels of vitamin D in your body. There’s evidence that this can improve your mental and physical health.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help alleviate depression. Studies have also shown that exposure to sunlight can help lower high blood pressure. Outdoor gardening has been shown to reduce stress, as well as increase the production of endorphins.
Besides being a great exercise, a garden also provides you with access to nutritious, seasonal foods. Eating local vegetables and fruits from your own backyard can lower your risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. Including garden-grown produce in your diet can help prevent osteoporosis.
Gardening also helps you improve your diet and boost your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for your immune system, bone health, and brain function. Getting enough vitamin D will help you avoid osteoporosis, type II diabetes, and other inflammatory conditions.
Helps establish a deeper sense of purpose
It has been suggested that gardening can be a helpful form of therapy for depression. It also provides a sense of accomplishment. The unpredictability of a garden can be a great way to break out of the perfectionist mindset.
You’ll learn to appreciate the process, and have the opportunity to experience a new level of satisfaction and pride.
According to a study by Dr. Ivan Camic and his team, gardening can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it is linked to spiritual, physical, and social well-being. This research was published in the Ecopsychology journal in 2015.
The findings suggest that gardening can provide a number of benefits. Specifically, it can help people who have difficulty talking about their problems. In addition, spending time in the outdoors can lead to increased engagement in the community.
Gardening with others can also promote a greater sense of social bonding. And since gardening requires teamwork, it can be a fun way to develop relationships with others.
Related Article: Therapeutic Gardens – A Holistic Approach to Treating PTSD