Why Gardening Can Be So Addictive (2024)

FAQs

Why Gardening Can Be So Addictive? ›

Gardening instills a sense of hope in people by connecting them with nature, fostering a sense of accomplishment, and occasionally feeding them an endorphin or dopamine rush. It can become addictive.

Many individuals find solace in the repetitive motions of planting, watering, and pruning. These acts are meditative, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of nurturing a living thing and watching it grow can also be a tremendous source of pride and fulfillment.

Other studies have found comparable effects of plants and gardens in reducing feelings of anger, stress, fear and anxiety. No one really knows how this works, what the mechanisms are that make us feel better when we're in a green space or in a room with plants versus one without.

According to research, getting your hands in the soil and contact with a specific soil bacteria called Mycobacterium Vaccae triggers the release of serotonin in our brain. Serotonin is a natural anti-depressant and also strengthens the immune system. It is the Lack of serotonin in the brain causes depression.

Nearly all forms of exercise can reduce stress including gardening. It's been shown to lighten mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety. It's very gratifying to plant, tend, harvest and share your own food. Routines provide structure to our day and are linked to improved mental health.

Passionate. All successful gardeners are passionate people, no matter what aspect of garden that passion hones itself in on. Some gardeners simply enjoy the process of gardening, while some are passionate about flowers themselves.

A plantsman is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable gardener (amateur or professional), nurseryman or nurserywoman. "Plantsman" can refer to a male or female person, though the terms plantswoman, or even plantsperson, are sometimes used.

It can become addictive. But you don't have to become a garden addict to appreciate its many benefits.

It is a fact that interaction with the houseplants is likely to reduce your blood pressure, calm your nervous system, and promote an overall feeling of wellness. Although houseplants need a lot of work, many people find it relaxing as it forces them to slow down and tend to things.

Health and wellness are important to the Millennial generation, which makes plants a natural draw. Plants are known to make healthier spaces for people to inhabit by helping to purify the air, boost one's mood, and lower stress levels.

Why is gardening so healing? ›

Why does gardening seem to be so beneficial to health? It combines physical activity with social interaction and exposure to nature and sunlight. Sunlight lowers blood pressure as well as increasing vitamin D levels in the summer,⁴² and the fruit and vegetables that are produced have a positive impact on the diet.

Getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels – contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system.

Gardening can make you feel more peaceful and content. Focusing your attention on the immediate tasks and details of gardening can reduce negative thoughts and feelings and can make you feel better in the moment. Just spending time around plants eases stress for many people. Boosts self-esteem.

These forms of gardening can actually improve muscle tone and strength, if done regularly. Even the less strenuous forms of garden upkeep—weeding, trimming and raking—can burn off about 300 calories an hour. The key is to be purposeful in your work and movements.

“Watching a plant grow and thrive under your care can help you feel satisfied with minimal effort. Plants improve the aesthetics of one's surroundings and can help us remember that we are connected to, and part of, nature particularly if we live in urbanized city environments,” said Dr.

Garden lovers often say that gardening is therapy, and that assessment might be truer than you think. Gardening improves physical health and produces nutritious homegrown goodies, but its therapeutic benefits extend beyond that.

Gardening can make you feel more peaceful and content. Focusing your attention on the immediate tasks and details of gardening can reduce negative thoughts and feelings and can make you feel better in the moment. Just spending time around plants eases stress for many people.

Why does gardening seem to be so beneficial to health? It combines physical activity with social interaction and exposure to nature and sunlight. Sunlight lowers blood pressure as well as increasing vitamin D levels in the summer,⁴² and the fruit and vegetables that are produced have a positive impact on the diet.

Research has linked houseplants to reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and an improved state of mind. And office environments with plants have been associated with higher job satisfaction and reduced health complaints.