Caring for plants can do wonders for your well-being. No, seriously! There’s been ample research that conclusively surmises that gardening is good for the mind, body, and soul — not just for your outdoor space.
Here are our four favourite reasons gardening is good for you:
1. Caring for your plants reduces stress
Studies have proven that gardening can be directly linked to a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms. In fact, some hospitals in the US even use planting and flower arranging as a type of rehabilitation for people recovering from injuries, strokes, surgeries, and other conditions.
Gardening is also a form of exercise, which we all know is good for us for loads of reasons, not least because it helps to release endorphins, which in turn help us feel satisfied, relaxed and reduce stress.
There’s also good evidence that just looking at a green space has positive effects on people’s mental health, helping them relax and de-stress.
2. Gardening builds your self-esteem
Maybe you don’t think you were born with a green thumb - and that’s probably why you’re here at Lazy Flora - but after planting, caring, watering, and speaking kindly to your plant babies, you might see a slightly different person in the mirror: a person who can grow things and that is something you should be really proud of!
That’s good for your mental health too. Not to mention how impressed your friends, family, and neighbours will be when your garden or balcony bursts into bloom.
We’re sure your lovely plants will put a few smiles on a few faces too as they pass them by - that’s a feel-good feeling worth its weight in gold, is it not?
3. Gardening helps keep you fit
As we said, gardening is considered moderately intense exercise (I mean, it’s not hard to understand why - have you ever lifted a bag of compost?) and that is good news for those who already spend hours planting perennials. Studies have shown you can burn about 330 calories doing one hour of light gardening. That’s more than walking at a moderate pace for the same amount of time. Winning!
Gardening outdoors also provides a healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun and can increase your calcium levels, which benefits your bones and immune system.
4. Growing your own food can help you eat healthier
We’re big fans of homegrown at Lazy Flora - which is why we have an amazing and hand-picked selection of edibles - and if you have a vegetable, herb or fruit garden, you’re getting fresh, healthy produce that you know hasn’t been treated with pesticides because you’ve nurtured and grown it yourself.
Plus, growing your own fruit, veg and herbs is fun, incredibly rewarding and helps to cut down on food miles - which is great for the environment! In fact, your food will have only travelled footsteps from plot to plate, and it'll taste far fresher and more flavoursome as a result. There’s more of that feel good factor, right there!
So, there you have it - gardening is actually good for your mind, body and soul. And if you want to get yourself some of those happy endorphins or grow your own produce, check out our outdoor and edible plant subscription boxes.
The feel-good factor starts as soon as our courier partner drops your lovely new plant babies at your door and lasts forever as you watch them grow and bloom.
