Research has shown that gardening can have tons of benefits on mental and physical health. The act of planting and harvesting flowers and produce can reduce the risk of cancer, build social connections, decrease anxiety, and encourage healthy eating habits. Dr. Jill Litt, an environmental studies professor, studied adults who participated in community gardening. Gardeners ate more fiber, increased their physical activity, and lowered their stress levels when participating in the outdoor activity compared to the study’s control group. Participants forged new friendships and felt fulfilled by learning a new skill that gave them access to healthy, affordable produce. You don’t need a green thumb to reap the benefits of gardening, the practice has just as many benefits for beginners as it does for experienced gardeners.
Image via SWNS
Read other stories from the 1/23/23 newsletter: