Five Empirical Explanations on the Joy Induced by Gardening
Sure, we all know about the ratio of sunlight and water, the right pH for soil, and the best ways to plant herbs - but gardening isn't just about the science. There's a whole lot more going on when we dig our hands into the dirt and nurture life.
Here are five reasons (backed by science!) why gardening makes us feel damn good.
- It keeps us moving.
Everybody knows that getting your sweat on boosts endorphins, lowers anxiety, and improves your mood. And guess what? You don't have to run a marathon to reap these benefits. Walking, stretching, and light lifting - all activities that come with tending to your plants - are just as beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Want to up your physical activity game while watering your plants? Try spreading your garden out over a larger area to get more steps in, or hang plants higher or lower than usual to stretch those muscles.
- It gets us outside.
These days, it's easy to forget that humans evolved to live outdoors. You might not believe it, but spending just 20 minutes a day outside can boost your overall happiness and well-being. Not just that, getting some fresh air provides Vitamin D, which supports bone density, immunity, and even helps prevent certain types of cancer.
- It helps us grow.
Gardening isn't just for adults. In fact, it can be a great tool for helping kids develop important skills like math, budgeting, and environmental science. Yep, that's right - gardening can be educationally enriching for little minds.
- It gives us a hobby.
In a world where half of us consider our jobs our primary identity (and an alarming 55% of us are unhappy at work), having a hobby is crucial. Psychology professor Dr. Patricia W. Linville argues that having multiple roles, traits, and interests makes us feel complete and satisfied - it helps us to diversify and find balance in life. And you know what? Gardening is a fantastic way to do just that.
- It connects us.
Gardening has a unique ability to connect us - to the earth, to each other, and even to ourselves. Nurturing new growth reminds us of the preciousness of life and our responsibility to protect it. Sharing the fruits (quite literally) of our labor with others forms meaningful relationships with those around us. Gaining new knowledge and understanding reminds us that we are complex beings, ever-evolving and ever-changing. All of these connections contribute to increased happiness and inspire us to keep growing.
So there you have it - five scientifically-approved reasons why gardening not only makes life a little greener, but also a whole lot brighter. Get your hands dirty and reap the rewards of a happier, healthier, and more connected you!
- Gardening can be beneficial for both the mind and body, as it keeps us moving with activities like walking, stretching, and light lifting that boost endorphins, lower anxiety, and improve mood.
- Spending time outside, even as little as 20 minutes a day, while gardening can boost overall happiness and well-being, providing necessary Vitamin D that supports bone density, immunity, and prevents certain types of cancer.
- Gardening can serve as a useful educational tool for children, helping them develop skills like math, budgeting, and environmental science.
- In a world where job satisfaction may be lacking, hobbies like gardening provide a crucial outlet for self-expression and diversification of interests, contributing to a sense of completeness and satisfaction.
- Gardening fosters connections with the earth, other people, and ourselves through nurturing new growth, forming meaningful relationships, and inspiring a greater understanding of life and evolution.
