Gardening for Wellbeing

Gardening is not just a hobby or a way to beautify your home. As many gardeners know, it is also a valuable contributor to positive mental health and wellbeing – this has been reinforced by recent studies. It has been shown, once again, that horticultural activities, such as gardening and plant cultivation, can improve brain activation and help to foster positive emotions.

Recently, researchers in Taiwan have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity in healthy volunteers who were asked to engage in horticultural activities. The participants were divided into two groups: one group engaged in indoor plant cultivation, and the other group engaged in outdoor gardening.

The researchers found that both indoor and outdoor horticultural activities led to increased connectivity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is associated with selfreferential thinking, introspection, and autobiographical memory. The DMN is also active during states of rest and relaxation, suggesting that horticultural activities can induce a state of mental relaxation.

In addition, the study found that outdoor gardening led to greater positive emotions, as measured by self-reported questionnaires. The researchers attributed this effect to the greater exposure to nature and the physical exertion required in outdoor gardening.

The study’s findings are consistent with previous research that has shown the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and to improve cognitive function and overall wellbeing.

But what is it about horticultural activities specifically that makes them so good for the brain? The researchers suggest that the combination of physical activity, being outside more often, and the focus and attention required for plant cultivation all contribute to the positive effects.

Gardening, for example, involves a range of physical activities, such as digging, planting, weeding, and pruning, that can provide a low-impact workout. In addition, being in nature and exposed to natural light can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, which are essential for healthy sleep and mood.

Plant cultivation also requires focus and attention to detail, which can help improve cognitive function and mental agility. It can also be a form of mindfulness, allowing people to focus on the present moment and let go of stress and negativity. These benefits have important implications for public health, as horticultural activities continue to offer possible low-cost and effective intervention measures for supporting good mental health. Horticultural therapy has been used for decades to supplement mental health treatment, particularly for people with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders; with mental health becoming an increasingly pressing issue around the world, horticultural activities continue to be a valuable tool for supporting and improving people’s mental health.

Additionally, these horticultural activities can and have been integrated into community programs and public spaces to improve mental health outcomes. Community gardens, for example, are being established in some urban areas to provide access to nature and horticultural activities for people who do not have access to a garden or natural space.

So, whether it’s tending to a small indoor garden or tending to a backyard or community garden, there are many ways to incorporate horticultural activities into your life and reap the benefits for your mental health. The studies continue to confirm what many of us already know: gardening is good for you.