The Science behind Gardening and Improved Mental Health
There really is something in the soil that makes you feel good and scientists from the University of Colorada have discovered the following.
“There is a growing recognition that the microbiome can impact health in general and, more specifically, mental health,” said Dr Jeffrey Borenstein, president of the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
Rich, fertile soil contains Mycobacterium vaccae, which contributes to the production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
Get the full story from this interview with Dr Jeffrey Borenstein on Radio New Zealand. This interview discusses one aspect of mental health improvement via gardening, but in reality their are several more.
However, there is much more to the science as other long-established studies have shown a clear correlation between spending time in the natural environment and our mental health. Simply stated, the act of gardening assists our brains in regulating our speed of thought from fast to slow. If we are unable to switch off and relax our minds then this can lead to anxiety and depression, something at least one in five suffer from in New Zealand alone, much of which is caused by the pressures of a modern lifestyle.
There is growing evidence to suggest that being in nature has positive effects on people’s mental health. Studies have shown that green spaces can lower levels of stress (Wells et al, 2003) and reduce rates of depression and anxiety, reduce cortisol levels (Park et al, 2010) and improve general well-being. There have also been a number of studies completed during the COVID19 epidemic which saw a resurgence in home gardening.
Here are 10 reasons why gardening contributes to our mental wellbeing and overall health.
1. Stress Relief: Gardening helps to reduce stress levels, which in turn reduces anxiety and depression.
2. Boosts Mood: Gardening is a great way to improve your mood and make you feel better. It is a good idea to spend some time in nature to create positive feelings.
3. Exercise: Gardening is a good way to get exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is a low-impact activity that is gentle on joints and muscles.
4. Sense of Accomplishment: Gardening gives us a sense of accomplishment when we see the fruits of our labor. It is a great way to boost our self-esteem and confidence.
5. Social Interaction: Gardening is a social activity that allows us to connect with others who share our interests. It is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and form new relationships.
6. Mindfulness: Gardening is a great way to practice mindfulness, which is the act of being present in the moment. It helps to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
7. Creative Outlet: Gardening is a creative outlet that allows us to express ourselves and our personality. We can experiment with different plants, colors, and designs to create a unique garden that reflects our style.
8. Sense of Connection: Gardening connects us to nature and the environment. It helps to promote a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment. In te ?o M?ori it is a reminder of the whakapapa we have with Papatūānuku (The Earth) and other Atua
Take 5 minutes to relax and connect with Ngā Atua
9. Sense of Purpose: Gardening gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It is a great way to feel productive and contribute to our community. This could also be described as the feeling one gets through the acts of Awhinatanga and Manaakitanga.
10. Mental Stimulation: Gardening requires mental stimulation and problem-solving skills, which helps to keep our mind sharp and improves cognitive function.
GROW YOUR OWN FOOD WHĀNAU!
