How and Why Gardening Is a Natural Stress Reliever

Gardening is an excellent way to relieve stress and improve your mood. It offers several benefits that contribute to stress reduction, including exposure to sunlight, connection with nature, and the beauty of creating and maintaining a garden.

Study Findings

A study conducted revealed that subjects who performed 30 minutes of gardening in their allotment gardens experienced a significantly greater decline in stress and a complete restoration of positive mood compared to a control group engaged in 30 minutes of reading. Interestingly, the readers experienced a further decline in mood.

Benefits of Gardening for Stress Relief

• Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can elevate your mood and provide a boost of vitamin D, which is beneficial for your overall health.
• Connection with Nature: Being surrounded by nature helps you feel disconnected from the stressors of everyday life and connected to something greater than yourself.
• Creating Beauty: The beauty of nature is inherently stress-relieving, and having your own garden provides a tranquil space for meditation, contemplation, and relaxation.

Getting Started with Gardening

Getting started with gardening may seem daunting, but with the help of gardening books or magazines, you can gain valuable information and ideas. As you progress, you'll discover that the act of creating a garden can bring you inner peace, and the garden itself can bring you immense joy.

Tips for Starting a Garden

• Select a space that is easily accessible and manageable.
• Begin with a small area and gradually expand your garden as you gain knowledge and experience.
• Choose plants that are easy to care for and thrive in your local climate.
• Water your plants regularly and fertilize them as necessary.
• Prune your plants to maintain their health and aesthetic appeal.
• Take pleasure in the beauty and serenity of your garden!