There’s something deeply healing about putting your hands in the soil. Whether you’re planting tomatoes, growing herbs, or just pulling weeds on a sunny afternoon,
And science backs it up.
How Gardening Helps My Mental Health
If I’m feeling anxious, scattered, or just plain overwhelmed, I head outside with my garden gloves and a cup of coffee. Within minutes, I can feel the tension begin to melt.
Spending just 30 minutes a day in the garden reduces stress like nothing else. And it’s not just me—studies show that gardening lowers cortisol, the stress hormone responsible for mood swings, insomnia, and even weight gain.
I’ve personally noticed:
-
Clearer thoughts
-
A better mood
-
Less anxiety
-
A real sense of peace
💡 Try working without earbuds sometime and let the quiet do its thing. The stillness is part of the magic.
CARPATHEN Drip Irrigation System - Adjustable Quick Connect Irrigation System for Garden, Raised Beds - Complete Garden Watering System Kit - 1/4 Emitters, 1/2" and 1/4" Tubing and Connector...
Why Gardening Is My Favorite Workout
Gardening doesn’t just lift my spirits—it works out my body, too. Between the squatting, lifting, stretching, and digging, I’ve realized I’m getting a full-body workout without stepping foot in a gym.
Some days I come in sore in the best way—and I know I’ve done something good for myself. According to the CDC, even moderate gardening can burn up to 300 calories an hour, depending on the task! (See Studies on CDC website)
I’ve noticed:
-
More flexibility
-
Stronger core and arms
-
A steadier heart rate
-
Fewer aches when I stay consistent
Who knew planting tomatoes could be so effective?
VegTrug VTNMD 0367 USA 1.8m Raised Planter, large, Natural
Dirt That Heals: What I Didn’t Know About Soil
Here’s something I didn’t expect: the dirt I dig in is actually good for me. Turns out, there’s a beneficial little microbe called Mycobacterium vaccae that lives in healthy soil. When I breathe it in while working, it helps support my immune system and even lifts my mood.
I’ve read that this soil bacteria can:
-
Help regulate the immune system
-
Reduce inflammation
-
Stimulate serotonin production (the feel-good chemical)
So yes—getting dirty really is good for your health!
How Gardening Grounds Me Spiritually
There’s a rhythm in gardening that quiets my soul. Watching a seed become a sprout and then a bloom reminds me of how growth takes time—and how beautiful that process is.
Sometimes I use this time to pray. Sometimes I just breathe. But every time I garden, I come away feeling more connected, more present, and more me.
Gardening is my reset button. My quiet time. My gentle therapy.
A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills (Back to Basics Guides)
My Favorite Healing Herbs to Grow
One of the things I love most is growing my own wellness tools. I’m not trying to be a full-blown herbalist, but I’ve found a few plants that are easy to grow and incredibly helpful for everyday wellness.
Here’s what I grow (and why):
-
Lavender – Calms my mind and helps me sleep
-
Chamomile – Great for digestion and nighttime tea
-
Aloe Vera – My go-to for skin, burns, and scrapes
-
Peppermint – Helps with headaches and refreshes my focus
-
Thyme – A natural immune booster and antibacterial
You don’t need a big garden bed—just a few pots and some sunshine.
SE SUN-E 5Pack Self Watering Plant Pots for Lazy People, 7/6.5/6/5.5/5 Inch,White Plastic Self Watering Planter for All Houseplants,Succulent, African Violets,Snake Plants, Flowers and Cactus
Final Thoughts From My Garden to Yours
If you’ve been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, tired, or just disconnected lately, I encourage you to step outside. Touch the soil. Breathe the air. Watch something grow—because in doing that, you grow too.
You don’t need to be an expert gardener. You just need to start. One seed. One breath. One moment at a time.
Because sometimes the best therapy doesn’t come in a bottle or a book—it comes from the dirt under your nails and the sun on your face.
