A meta-analysis of studies on gardening shows that short-term or long-term gardening can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, elevate mood, regulate Body Mass Index, increase the quality of life, provide a sense of community, and improve cognitive function.
Every gardener knows how great they feel after being outdoors among nature and tending to their plants. Besides the obvious physical benefits of light lifting, bending, and stretching, working the soil seems to elevate mood and reduce anxiety. At least that’s been my experience and the experience of other gardeners I’ve spoken with. But that’s not scientific, just personal experience. Now science has produced evidence to validate that experience.
“Three studies assessed respondents shortly before and after experimental short-term gardening activities… These studies showed that even short-term (several hours) exercise in gardens can provide an instantaneous beneficial influence on health (e.g. reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms).”
