In the past months, while we were all confined inside our homes due to the pandemic, many forgotten hobbies resurfaced and gained a new wave of popularity, including gardening. It is no secret that spending time outside, around sunlight and nature, is beneficial for mental wellbeing, and a new study conducted at Princeton and published in Landscape and Urban Planning confirms there is a proven connection between caring for plants and a positive mood.
The study, which was carried out prior to the pandemic, surveyed 370 people living in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area regarding their happiness levels throughout the day. 118 out of the 370 participants engaged in home gardening. Out of all the activities mentioned in the surveys, ranging between work and leisure, gardening ranked 4th in regards to the happiness it provides. In fact, it was found to brink people similar levels of satisfaction to dining out, riding a bike, and going on a walk.
Interestingly, the Emotional Well-Being (EWB) was higher for vegetable gardeners than that of ornamental gardeners. It might have to do with the fact that gardening, in general, was ranked the second most meaningful activity. “The high levels of meaningfulness that respondents reported while gardening might be associated with producing one’s own food,” researcher Graham Ambrose said.
“The boost to emotional wellbeing is comparable to other leisure activities that currently get the lion’s share of infrastructure investment. These findings suggest that, when choosing future wellbeing projects to fund, we should pay just as much attention to household gardening.”
The benefits of gardening were equally notable for people who live in the suburbs and those who live in the city, and there was no difference between people who gardened alone and those who did so with others. Furthermore, “Household gardening is the only activity, in this study, where women and low-income participants report higher EWB than men and medium/high-income participants respectively,” the authors explained.
The popularity of gardening has been on a steady rise in recent years, with more and more young people discovering the benefits of this hobby. A 2017 research article has shown that millennials spend more money on plants and gardening equipment than their parents. The Covid-19 pandemic and mass lockdowns have further awakened a concern about food supply and self-sustainability. The ability to grow your own fresh produce as well as get the satisfaction from nurturing a tiny seed into something beautiful are empowering people worldwide to engage in gardening.
If you’re a beginner gardener or would like to experiment with gardening, check out our previous gardening tips articles listed below, get inspired, and start growing!
These 12 Harmful Habits are Keeping Happiness Away!
Learn the 12 harmful, yet very common habits, keeping happiness away!
Do You Want to Be HAPPY? Try These Amazing Brain Exercises
If you want to become a much happier person by doing a few simple scientifically-accredited exercises, this article is for you.
Can Probiotics Improve Mental Health? Research Says YES
Studies repeatedly show that probiotics can be a potentially effective treatment for several mental health issues. This is what is currently known on the topic.
Boost Your Happiness with These Mindfulness Tips
Take control over your mindset, habits and behaviors by practicing these 5 mindfulness methods.
Has Science Just Revealed the Secret to Happiness?
These are some secrets on how to be happy that everyone should know. These, are all backed by science!
Make Your Life Better By Following These Simple Rules
If you're wondering what it takes to live a joy-filled life, all you need to do is follow these 9 simple rules.
These Touching Words Remind You that Things Do Get Better
No matter what life throws at you, know that you have it within you, to handle the situation with "endless, boundless grace".
16 Things You Need to Say Goodbye To As You End the Year
Here are a few things you may need to forget as we welcome a new beginning.
Read This to Realize Why You Should Be Thankful For Life
These messages made me realize why I should be thankful for the life that I have. You should read them too and express your gratitude for your blessings.
The Parable of the Survivor: Why You Should Never Give Up
We may sometimes feel like the world is falling down on us but this next parable will make clear why in moments like this you shouldn't give up.
10 Important Things True Friends Deserve to Be Thanked For
True friends are as precious as pearls, let yours know just what they mean to you...
The 16 Weirdest Superstitions From Around The World
Whether or not you're a superstitious person, read about these 16 unbelievable superstitions from around the world, it's very entertaining!
Regrets in Life Arise When We Ignore These 7 Vital Things
How can you change your perspective and mindset to enhance our experience of life for the better? Find out here.
These Are The Things I Will NOT Wish You This Christmas...
This year, my wishes are more meaningful than they've ever been. I would like to wish you nothing more than the love of...
This Beautiful Story Will Surely Touch Your Heart
This story touched me very deeply, and I know it will do the same for you.
The Secret to Happiness: An Old Monk's Advice
A wonderful TED talk about the easy road to happiness, and how anyone can attain it.
10 Quotes that Prove Buddhism Has Some Wisdom to Share
The appeal of Buddhism is undeniable, as it is more a philosophy than a religion, and its wisdom pertains to all people, regardless of cultural background. Here are a few beautiful inspirational quotes.
All You Need to Know About Relaxing & Meditation is Here...
Our best guides about meditation, from beginning to advanced, together with some great tools to help you achieve it.
Aging Gracefully Is Within Your Reach - Just Read This
This touching message will enlighten you on how to age with grace and style. Take this heartwarming message on board to enhance your life.
This is the Story of the Doctor Whose Godfather Was Death
The story of the doctor who tried to cheat his Godfather Death is an old German tale and is retold here with the help of animation.
Kwanzaa in a Nutshell: Learn About This Cultural Holiday
Kwanzaa in a nutshell - a light introduction to this modern non-religious African American holiday.
True Wealth Isn't Measured by Bank Accounts...
Despite the relentless push by everything around us to convince us of the merits of materialism, true wealth is markedly different. Enjoy this video.
What Does Your Pinky Finger Reveal About You?
Discover what your pinky fingers reveal about your personality, including how you communicate and interact with the world around you.
15 Inspiring Quotes by Great Minds to Spark Courage in You
To help you reclaim your bravery, here are 15 inspiring and thought provoking quotes by world renowned thinkers of the past and present
Would You Call God If He Had a Phone Number? Inspiring!
Each night, before I sleep, I converse with God. This is what I say.
To Be More Assertive Try to Use These Key Pointers
A list of 9 tips in how to be assertive without coming off as rude.
This Tale of Friendship is a Lesson I'll Cherish...
A story with a beautiful lesson to teach us...
10 Things All Couples Need to Do to Be in Love Forever
Everyone talks about that special spark, but what's the secret to making it last? Every couple should know these tips...
How to Reframe Your Negative Thinking for a Better Life
In this video, we will learn to process our negative emotions in a way that won't destroy our lives and our happiness.
These Words Reminded Me That You Will Always Be With Me
This poem will give you reassurance knowing that in spite of a relative or lover passing away, they're still with you every step of the way.
These Are the Golden Rules of Happiness...
Let these simple lessons serve as a gentle reminder on how to live your life to its fullest potential.
These Quotes Will Remind You How Blessed You Really Are
How many times have you looked to the future to find happiness? These quotes will encourage you to appreciate all that you currently have.
Ladies, Life After 60 Can Be As Good As Ever
Life after 60 doesn't have to be a time where everything goes into decline. Read these 6 tips to see what you have to do.
Remind Yourself of Love's Meaning With These 15 Quotes
If you need reminding of the true value and meaning of love, read these 15 quotes to re-ignite that spark.
Quote Collection: 40 Beautiful Thoughts About Life...
Here are 40 simple yet powerful thoughts about being alive. These beautiful quotes are bound to put you in a positive and productive mood...
Let These Life Quotes Reach Deep into Your Beautiful Soul
Whenever you feel low, all it can take to turn your spirit is around the powerful truth that comes from a wise quote. Here are some of our favorites.
Share This Lovely Message & Wish a Friend a Good Day!
Share these lovely thoughts and wish someone you love dearly a good day!
How to Completely Detoxify Your Mind
It's not just your home that can do with a good clean every once in a while, your mind should regularly require one too. Find out more here.
Such Beautiful, Inspiring Words by Our Favorite Bear...
AA Milne’s classic children’s book are filled with vibrant characters who are infinitely wise with their simple words.
Beauty Is Captured in these Romantic Words by Robert Burns
Love is depicted beautifully in this poem by Robert Burns.
Words on Life, Love and Faith From Greek Philosopher Plato
Plato was a brilliant philosopher and a student of Socrates who always offered words of wisdom to deal with any scenario life throws at you
Quotes that Makes Your Body, Mind, and Soul Healthier
These quotes aren't merely inspirational; they're life-changing.
I Was Having a Bad Day Until I Came Across These Words
Words have the power to change your day for the better. Here are some inspirational quotes that offer you some inspired perspective.
When Times Get Tough, This Poem Will Inspire You to Go On
No matter how tough life gets, find the strength within you to 'Keep On'. This inspiring poem will encourage you to do just that.
These Perfect Words From Robert Frost Aren’t in Any Poems
Poets like Robert Frost don't limit their powerful words to their poems, they share them with the world every chance they get.
A Beautiful Poem: Everything in Life Happens for a Reason!
These thoughts will help you reflect on life and how sometimes, things truly do happen for a reason.
Strangest Historic & Modern Burial Traditions in the World
You'd be amazed at how different we all think of death - one thing all humans have in common.