Gardening + Mental Health

There is something healing about being outdoors surrounded by nature. The smell of fresh air, the feeling of the beaming sun or cool breeze, the touch and smell of the flowers, plants, and leaves. The sound of chirping birds and the sight of passing butterflies. All of which allows a person to feel grounded, connected, and aware with all of their senses. These little moments create big impacts.

 

Whether one is planting vegetables, flowers, or plants it all is good for one’s mental health. The process of gardening produces endorphins, and this is one reason people feel good when they are gardening. There is research that shows gardening can help to improve one’s mood, decreasing depressed symptoms and easing anxiety for several reasons. Being outside in the sun offers exposure to Vitamin D, which is a synthesizer of serotonin also known as “the happy chemical.” There is also a natural antidepressant in soil known as Mycobacterium Vaccae, which has been found to stimulate areas of the brain by touching it and/or smelling it while gardening. This bacteria produces an increase in serotonin, helping one to feel more calm, relaxed, and happy.

 

Studies have also shown when a person is pulling weeds out of a garden and/or planting new vegetables, flowers, or plants, it helps to reduce cortisol levels, which is the chemical produced due to a stress response. The reduction of cortisol has incredible results on the brain and body and one’s overall mental health and well-being.

 

Gardening is a mindfulness-based experience and mindfulness is linked to improved mental health. You don’t have to have a “green thumb” to reap the amazing benefits that come from gardening. It’s proven just playing with dirt can create positive change in one’s life. 

Stephanie Robilio, LCSW

Published Author
Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare 

To learn more about Stephanie visit www.themindfulliving.com and follow her on Instagram @mindfulliving.now, Facebook @mindfulliving, and subscribe to her on YouTube Stephanie Robilio. Find all of Stephanie's books on Amazon: WellNow, Mindful Makeover, Painted Soul, and Bonafide Spirit. To join real conversations about what it takes to achieve optimal wellness in mind, body, and spirit, check out The Mindful Living Podcast on Spotify.