5 reasons why gardening makes us happier.

How do you feel after spending time outside? Whether you’re taking a walk or getting your hands dirty, most likely we’re left feeling relaxed and even happier. But why is this? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons below!

1) Keeping active

We all know that physical activity is good for us but did you know, 30 minutes of gardening can actually burn as many calories as playing badminton or practising yoga! Knowing there is a garden to tend is a great form of motivation and gives us that get up and go feeling when we wake up.

2) Connecting with other people

“The GP’s surgery is often the place people go when they don’t know where else to turn. It is estimated the 20% of people visit their GPs for what is primarily a social rather than a health problem” RHS

Make new friends by joining gardening projects or volunteering. New to gardening? Learning new skills can be hugely rewarding and great for our minds. Sign up for a gardening course to get started! Interested? Find a group near you.

3) Being close to nature

Visiting gardens or even sitting in your own can have great benefits to your wellbeing. Taking time to relax, read a book or just be in the moment is great for our health. Check out this great piece from National Geographic on getting back to nature and its value to our “over-stressed minds”!

4) Watching something grow

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your efforts come to life! And reaping the benefits of freshly grown veg or herbs is a cheap and rewarding way to improve our health!

RHS is sharing a new video each week on what’s going on in the gardening world that month. This week learn about ‘hardening off’ and sowing larger seeds such as squashes and lots more!

5) Tickling our senses with colour and smells

Experiencing new things is great for our health and helps to keep the mind active. Check out our post for the benefits new experiences can have on our lives.

Want to share your new experiences with others? How about joining in on a photo competition? Click here to find out more here.