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ROCHESTER, Minn. — If you had access to medication that reduces stress, anxiety and depression and boosts happiness, would you take it? A new study suggests that a drug like that does exist — in the form of gardening.
Researchers from the University of Florida divided a small group of healthy women into two groups. One group participated in gardening session twice a week and the other engaged in art. Both groups showed improvements in mental health. But the gardeners reported a greater reduction in anxiety.
“Past studies have shown that gardening can help improve the mental health of people who have existing medical conditions or challenges," says Dr. Charles Guy, principal investigator and a professor emeritus in the University of Florida environmental horticulture department. "Our study shows that healthy people can also experience a boost in mental well being through gardening."
Why does gardening make you feel good? The researchers aren't sure, but they say maybe it has to do with our dependence on plants for food, shelter and survival.
The study is published in the journal PLOS ONE.
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For more stories about the health benefits of gardening and nature, check out the links below.
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