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!
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.
How to Stick to Your Goals: A Simple Science-Backed Trick
If you wish to make New Year's resolution for 2021, there is one simple tweak that is psychologically proven to help you stick to them.
STUDY: The Effect of Personality on Our Level of Happiness
Researchers finally know which types of people will always be happier than others.
Boost Your Happiness with These Mindfulness Tips
Take control over your mindset, habits and behaviors by practicing these 5 mindfulness methods.
Alone But Not Lonely: 10 Ways to Enjoy Your Own Company
Being alone does not have to be lonely. 10 tips on how to turn the hours spent on your own into a time of recharge and growth.
These 12 Harmful Habits are Keeping Happiness Away!
Learn the 12 harmful, yet very common habits, keeping happiness away!
My Dear Friend, I Gift You This Friendship Bouquet
Sometimes in life, we fail to see what's right in front of us, and that includes how much we are loved. Watch this video to reinvigorate your appetite for life.
Remember These 8 Quotes and You'll Be Better For It
These 8 quotes taught us a lot, and we hope that they will do the same for you.
If You Feel Like You Can’t Go On, These Tips Will Help
If things hopeless, and if you feel like you can’t go on, try these simple but effective strategies.
Relaxed Mind: 6 Enjoyable Meditation Techniques
Thought there was only one way to practice meditation? The following 6 creative and enjoyable techniques will enable you to bring about peace and tranquility!
These Powerful Mantras Will Start Your Morning Right
Here are some of my favorite mantras that I turn to that always seem to brighten up my day.
These Beautiful Quotes Came from Some Amazing Movies
Some of our favorite movies contain the most surprising pearls of wisdom we're ever likely to hear. Here are 16 of the most inspiring.
The Smart Person's Guide to a Happy Life...
The smart principles we all need in our life provided in 19 smart sayings and pieces of genuine advice that have always been true.
The Wittiest, Wisest Quotes by Oscar Wilde!
Oscar Wilde was world famous for his wit. These quotes will show you exactly why that was...
7 Overlooked Daily Habits That Drain Your Energy
All seven of these often overlooked habits can make your energy levels plummet, even if your overall lifestyle is healthy.
Beauty Is Captured in these Romantic Words by Robert Burns
Love is depicted beautifully in this poem by Robert Burns.
God Only Knows - Beach Boys' Ode to Love and Devotion
In 1965, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys wrote 'God Only Knows', a spiritual ode to love and devotion that is relevant to us all.
13 Signs That You’re Wasting Your Life Away
If you've not yet fulfilled your dreams maybe it's time to take a good look at your life, are you making these13 mistakes?
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.
I Had to Share These Beautiful Words with You...
They say life is short, but there are still plenty of incredible experiences you shouldn't deny yourself.
The Wise and Beautiful Words of Princess Diana
Proncess Diana is remembered for her grace, compassion, and generosity. These are her most powerful words.
12 Principles For a Good Life By a Great Thinker
Follow these 12 principles to live a good, healthy life.
This Video Teaches Something Everyone Should Learn...
Some deeds create a ripple that can cross even the distance of years. A beautiful video with an even more beautiful message to us all.
Here’s How to Stop Taking Others' Opinions So Personally
Many of us often feel offended by the actions or comment of others, even though it may have nothing to do with us, here's how to stop taking things personally.
Someone is Thinking About You Right Now...
You should share this special message with someone who's going through a difficult time in their life. It will help them and inspire them.
Martin Luther King Had a Powerful Message to Share
Martin Luther King left a legacy and some of the most powerful words in history.
After Reading This, You’ll Want to Call Your Best Friend...
Some people come and go in our lives, but real friends are part of the permanent cast. Get inspired by these wise words about those special people in your life.
8 Reasons Why Logical-Emotional Couples Have Strong Bonds
A relationship in which one partner is logical and the other is emotional will always work best due to different problem-solving approaches. Here's why.
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.
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".
I've Never Been So Touched by Such Fine Quotes Before
Certain sentences have the power to shock us with their beauty and undeniable truth, here are 8 such sentences, spoken by some very famous people.
16 Useful Social Tricks That Can Be Picked up Quickly!
With these confidence-boosting hacks, you will feel comfortable no matter what situation you are in.
When Your Thoughts Are Racing, Learn How To Stop
Feeling constantly stressed out and worried is, unfortunately, way too common. Learn to cope with worrisome situations 7 easy ways.
Top Gear Star Richard Hammond Reflects on Time in a Coma
In this unforgettable video, TV star Richard Hammond shares a heartening memory from his coma.
28 Things We HAVE to Stop Doing to Ourselves
We do so much self-harm, and we need to learn to stop doing these self-defeating things to ourselves.
What is Smiling Depression? 5 Signs Someone's in Trouble
5 signs someone you know is covering for a major depression
Learn From This Wise, Blind Man How to Really See People
I always thought blindness was a disability, but when I heard Tommy Edison's thoughts about racism, I recalled what Martin Luther King said all those years ago.
You Won’t Believe How Body and Mind Change Every 7 Years!
Philosopher Rudolf Steiner divided life into seven-year stages, and his conclusions about each stage can tell you a lot about our past and future.
The Unexpected Differences Between the Rich and the Poor
The following story will leave you wondering about the real differences that exist between the rich and the poor.
This Is a Message You Should Only Share with a True Friend
If you have a true friend, share this video with them to let them know that you appreciate them deeply.
This Tale of Friendship is a Lesson I'll Cherish...
A story with a beautiful lesson to teach us...
If You've Known Love, This Song Will Move You...
Contemporary pop songs don't manage to convey the emotion of love like the songs of the past, but this wonderful piece does so in a charming and moving way...
Are We Afraid to Ask Ourselves These Questions?
These questions should be pondered, the answers you give may change your outlook on life...
Share This Message with Someone Who Needs to Hear It
So many ways to describe love, allow me to try...
Slow Down and Live More: The Art of Slow Living
Learn how to live a more fulfilling life by doing less in this inspiring video.
John Lennon Inspired Millions with His Wise Words
Lennon was also capable of inspiring millions with a single, spoken sentence. Take a look:
Rejoice and God Bless: The Spiritual Teaching of the Bible
These are the most comforting and inspiring words you will ever hear: the words of Jesus of Nazareth, that fill me with life and hope. Consider, and rejoice.