Spending time between earth and shoots could be much more beneficial than you think. A wide scientific revision, which has analyzed decades of research, confirms what many gardening enthusiasts have always know: Dirty your hands with earth is good for the body and mind.
A team of researchers from theUniversity of the Agricultural Sciences of Cluj, in Romaniaand of the King’s College London led an ‘Umbrella Reviewthat is, a revision of 40 systematic analyzes and met-analysis made over forty years, involving thousands of participants all over the world. The results are clear: whether it is to repot plants on the windowsill or to cultivate a shared vegetable garden, Gardening produces measurable effects on mental and physical health.
Gardening: real benefits for mind, body and emotional well -being
According to scholars, gardening is not just a relaxing hobby, but an effective “Multicomponent intervention”that is, a practice that acts positively on several levels simultaneously. In fact, it unites light physical activity, contact with nature, structured objectives and social relationships. Each of these aspects, already alone, has been associated with an improvement in well -being. Combined together, as happens in gardening, they become a real cure -all.
The data show that gardening is linked to one reduction of symptoms of depression and anxietyto a better self -esteem, to an increase in satisfaction for life and one more efficient cognitive function. In particular, those who participated in structured gardening programs showed a 55% increase in general well -being levels. Numbers that do not represent a simple improvement, but a radical change.
Why is gardening good for the mind?
The mental benefits related to the treatment of plants derive from several interconnected factors. First of all, even if not intense, physical activity Turn in gardening – such as digging, bending or watering – stimulates the production of endorphins and reduces inflammation. It is a safe and accessible way to remain active, even in old age.
A second element is theexposure to naturewhich directly affects cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Contact with greenery improves attention, creativity and regulation of emotions. It is the so -called “Theory of the restoration of attention”according to which natural environments help to recover from mental fatigue.
A third mechanism is the Mindfulness: focusing on a growing plant helps to remain in the present, reducing anxieties related to the past or future. This awareness favors the emotional resilience.
Finally, there is the social and symbolic connection: talking to the neighbors in an urban vegetable garden, sharing the harvest or even just feel the rhythm of the seasons, all this strengthens the sense of belonging, both to the community and to the natural cycle of life.
It works for everyone
Among the main beneficiaries of this practice are the elderly peoplewhich thanks to gardening maintain the motor skills longer, contrast loneliness and improve memory. In patients with dementiahorticultural therapy has shown to stimulate mood and social interaction.
Also adults with mental health problemsas depression and anxiety, have drawn important advantages: a reduction in symptoms and a newfound sense of purpose in life. The improvement percentages varied from study to study, but the general trend was unequivocal: gardening works.
Even those who live with chronic pathologies such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems has found positive effects. Those who dedicate themselves to cultivation tends to Eat more fruit and vegetablesmanages body weight better and often has values of lower blood pressure. Children have not been included in this revision, but other research suggested that gardening can also improve concentration and school performance for them.
Despite the numerous positive feedback, the same authors of the research underline the need for caution. 71% of the studies examined were classified as “critically low quality” according to methodological standards. This does not invalidate the conclusions, but indicates that more rigorous research is needed.
Many studies were based on self -assessments or they were lacking in control groupsand often did not clearly define what was meant by “gardening”, nor did they specify the duration or frequency of activities. In addition, most of the analyzes is limited to observing correlations, without establishing a cause-effect link. However, even the small number of more solid studies, conducted with randomized methodologyconfirmed the same beneficial effects. The authors hope greater Investment in gardening as a public health toollike healthy nutrition or physical activity.
The tendency to integrate gardening into Therapeutic paths for depression, anxiety and stress disorders It is growing. This practice, known as “Horticultural therapy”combines psychology, employment therapy and environmental sciences. The good news? There is no need to be experts, nor do you own a large garden. Even a single apartment plant, some aromatic herbs on the balcony or volunteering in an urban garden can make the difference. In a frenetic and often disconnected world, gardening brings us back – in a literal and symbolic way – to something more authentic, slow and deeply human.
