Gardening offers us a wide variety of health benefits – from lowered blood pressure and reduced stress, to a boost in self-esteem.

It’s important not to forget, though, the benefits that gardening offers our surrounding nature. Although it’s one of our most valuable resources, nature has been somewhat under-utilised and neglected in recent years. Whilst nature was once seen as the best form of healing, medical interventions soon came to the forefront – and we’ve since become a nation that’s forgotten the powerful medicinal properties of our natural surroundings.

The behaviours of modern society have had detrimental effects on nature – from carbon emissions to deforestation, we’re increasingly becoming more neglectful of our surrounds. One way that we can begin to change this is by engaging in gardening – an activity that boosts the health of both humans and the environment.

So, what exactly are the therapeutic benefits of gardening?

Lower levels of cortisol

The practise of gardening is known to offer myriad health benefits to humans; one of which being a significant drop in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that, when produced in too high a quantity, promotes feelings of stress. A healthy bacteria found in soil, known as M. Vaccae, has been known to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body after being inhaled. It also gives us a boost of serotonin, known as our ‘happy hormone’. Aside from that, though, gardening itself can promote self-esteem and feelings of achievement, which help to improve our mental wellbeing in the long-term.

Promotes healthy eating

When you’re taking the time and effort to grow your own vegetables, you’re more inclined and motivated to collect them when they’re fully grown, before transforming them into a nutrient-dense meal. Cooking with produce that comes from your very own garden can instil a sense of true accomplishment – and you’ll gain peace of mind that you’re working with foods that are fully seasonal and free from harmful chemicals.

Physical health benefits

The best physical exercise comes from engaging in activities that you enjoy, since you’re nourishing your body without being consciously aware of it. Many people forget how gardening improves physical wellbeing; but once you’ve planted seeds, raked up the leaves and tidied up your allotment, you’ve already worked to improve your cardiovascular health, and engaged the core muscles. This is why gardening is linked to lowered blood pressure and maintaining a healthy weight.

Community spirit

Developing a garden allotment is a great way to become part of a community. Spending time with other likeminded individuals is an unfailing way to give your mental wellbeing a boost, whilst also allowing you to exchange gardening tips with others – so, if you’re thinking of taking up gardening, consider taking up an allotment space.

Today’s urban living has been shown to cause a whole host of mental and physical health risks – and this is only continuing to increase as technology becomes more integral in our daily lives. It’s essential that we take the time to connect with the outdoors and allow ourselves the opportunity to thrive amongst nature – whether that’s by going for a simple woodland stroll, or taking up gardening as a hobby.