Aesthetics aside, the benefits of gardening are far yielding. In fact, gardening and good health have actually proven to go hand in hand.
From combatting depression to improving cardiovascular health, gardening is pretty darned good for you. Gardening has actually been shown to increase mindfulness, the act of keeping oneself in the present. And it provides a great opportunity to connect with friends, family and neighbors.
Digging for more reasons to get gardening? Check out these eight benefits of getting your garden on. Find out why the grass is greener on the gardening side.
1. Lowering the Bar on Stress
If you’re looking for a stress relieving activity that you can do outside, add gardening to your list. Research shows that gardening can greatly reduce both stress and anxiety.
According to CNN, research conducted in the Netherlands concluded that gardening may be one of the best leisure-related stressbusters available. Two test groups were given one of two activities following a stressful task: reading indoors or gardening for 30 minutes. Following the two activities, those who gardened were found to be in a better mood than those who read. In addition, the green group exhibited lower cortisol levels. (Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress.)
So next time you’re feeling anxious, try working outside. It will likely lift your spirits.