RESEARCH

Gardening Promotes Neuroendocrine and Affective Restoration from Stress

This experimental study investigates the stress-relieving effects of gardening, demonstrating its ability to lower cortisol levels and improve mood more effectively than indoor reading.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: General Population, Burnout/Workplace Stress
Setting or Context: Residential Programs
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Stress Management
Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy
Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening
Evidence Type: Case Studies, Qualitative Research
Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness
Access: Free
Print Form

Summary

The research involved 30 allotment gardeners who completed a stress-inducing Stroop task before being randomly assigned to 30 minutes of gardening or indoor reading. Salivary cortisol levels and mood assessments were taken at multiple points. Results showed that both activities reduced stress, but gardening led to a significantly greater decrease in cortisol and a full restoration of positive mood, while mood deteriorated in the reading group.

These findings provide strong experimental evidence that gardening promotes physiological and emotional recovery from stress. The study supports gardening as a therapeutic activity, reinforcing its role in mental health interventions and stress management programs​

Link

van Den Berg, A.E., & Custers, M.H. (2011). Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress. Journal Health Psychology, 16, 3-11.

 

Other Recommended Research

Seed Mindfulness Exercise

A short and simple seed themed mindfulness exercise.

Planting Bulbs

Participants learn how to plant bulbs in the fall to bloom in the spring.

Root Vegetable Guessing Game

Participants learn about different types of root vegetables and how they grow.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

Report

Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware
Harassment or bullying behavior

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .