BLUF
A new study from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) found that gardening is linked to good health and wellbeing.
Summary
In this article from the BBC science focus magazine, Sara Rigby makes the following points regarding the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS )study on gardening:
- Gardening lowers stress levels.
- Regular gardening can result in improvements in wellbeing, perceived stress and physical activity.
- Gardening every day has the same positive impact on wellbeing as undertaking regular, vigorous exercise like cycling or running.
- Pleasure and enjoyment was the reason why 6 in 10 people garden.
- Gardening provides an external focus that can be beneficial for our mental health.
- Most people garden because of the direct pleasure it gives them.
- Frequent gardening was also linked with greater physical activity supporting the notion that gardening is good for both body and mind.
- Gardening feels effortless, unlike going to the gym.
- Just viewing gardens can improve our sense of wellbeing.