Can Gardening Reduce Stress?

23/04/2025

Yes, gardening can absolutely reduce stress—there’s a solid body of research and tons of anecdotal evidence supporting that.

Here’s how gardening helps:

1. Physical activity – Digging, planting, and weeding get you moving, which helps release endorphins (your body’s natural mood boosters).

2. Connection with nature – Just being outside and interacting with plants can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improve your overall mood.

3. Mindfulness and flow – Gardening can be meditative. Focusing on tasks like watering or pruning helps you stay present, similar to mindfulness practices.

4. Sense of accomplishment – Watching something grow under your care can be super rewarding and boost self-esteem.

5. Vitamin D exposure – Time in the sun (with proper protection, of course!) increases vitamin D, which is linked to better mental health.

People even talk about “horticultural therapy,” where gardening is used intentionally to help with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.