The Surprising Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health

Gardening is often seen as a hobby for the elderly or those with a lot of free time. However, research is increasingly showing that gardening can have a number of surprising benefits for mental health.

One of the most well-documented benefits of gardening is that it can help to reduce stress. A study published in the journal "Environmental Health Perspectives" found that people who gardened for just 30 minutes experienced a significant reduction in cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress.

Gardening can also help to improve mood. A study published in the journal "Psychiatry Research" found that people who gardened for just 12 weeks experienced a significant improvement in their mood, as well as a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In addition to reducing stress and improving mood, gardening can also help to improve cognitive function. A study published in the journal "The American Journal of Occupational Therapy" found that people who gardened for just 30 minutes experienced a significant improvement in their attention span and working memory.

Gardening can also help to improve sleep quality. A study published in the journal "Sleep" found that people who gardened for just 30 minutes before bed experienced a significant improvement in their sleep quality.

If you're looking for a way to improve your mental health, gardening is a great option. It's a low-impact activity that can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels. And best of all, it's free!