A daily dose of gardening can strengthen the soul as much as cycling or running, according to new groundbreaking research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
In celebration of National Gardening Week (Monday April 26th – Sunday May 2nd), the charity determined that those who garden regularly felt less depressed (13%) had increased energy levels (12%) and were less stressed overall (16%). Whether you live in an urban area or in a hilly landscape, this research confirms just how powerful nature really is.
The study, which was published in Cities magazine, interviewed more than 6,000 people across the UK. Working with the University of Sheffield and the University of Virginia, they found that those who garden every day are 6.6% more well-being and 4.2% less stressed than people who don’t work in the garden.
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“This is the first time the ‘dose response’ has been tested on gardening, and the evidence largely suggests that the more gardening you do, the greater the health benefits,” says Dr. Lauriane Chalmin-Pui, RHS Wellbeing Fellow and lead author.
“In fact, daily gardening has just as positive an impact on well-being as regular, vigorous exercise such as cycling or running. Gardening is a pleasant distraction for our brains from the nature around us. This shifts our focus away from ourselves and our stress and so restores it to reduce our thoughts and negative feelings. “
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The co-author Dr. Ross Cameron of the University of Sheffield added, “This study provides further empirical data to demonstrate the value of gardening and gardens in restoring and promoting mental calm. We also found a greater proportion of plants in the garden were having associated with more well-being, suggesting that just looking at ‘green’ gardens could be helpful. “
Elsewhere in the study, they also found that some participants burned the same amount of calories after 30 minutes of gardening as they would when playing a game of badminton, volleyball, or yoga.
Why not put on your gardening gloves and grow this summer?
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12 garden rocking chairs to relax in summer 2021
Anker fast wooden rustic 2-seater hammock FSC
This two-seater garden rocking chair is made of solid wood and is perfect for lawns, patios or patios. Made in the UK, it’s easy to build. The wood is FSC certified from sustainable, renewable sources.
Brianna swing seat
This garden swing offers space for two people or a spacious seat for one with plenty of space for pillows. The trellis sides are perfect for decorating with artificial leaves or fairy lights.
Allon swing seat
This metal swing does not have its own frame and must therefore be attached to an existing structure on your patio or patio. It is ergonomically designed and has a high back so that two people can sit comfortably and swing. The sleek white metal means this garden swing is less imposing and looks sleek and stylish.
Pantheon Poseidon swing seat
This design combines an arbor with a swing seat. The tongue and groove roof provides shade and protection from the sun. The natural finish will blend in with any garden, but you can paint the structure if you’d like to match your color scheme.
Antoinette wooden three-seater garden swing – 2.3 m
This large garden swing offers space for three people. Made by traditional British artisans in the Churnet Valley, the wood is made from grade 5 redwood that has been pressure treated to ensure it will rot-free for 25 years.
Swing seat with stand Swing seat with stand Swing seat with stand Swing seat with stand Swing seat with stand Swing seat with stand
We love the slim shape of this garden swing with practical shelves on both sides that are perfect for resting your book or drink. It is kept in a warm teak shade and has softly curved legs made of larch wood.
Reelak double swing seat
£ 180.00
This chair is a garden swing without its own frame and is made of polycotton fabric with fringes, so it cannot be left outside in bad weather. Suspension hooks are not included in the scope of delivery.
Garden swing seat
£ 659.99
This super comfortable garden rocking chair hangs on a curved frame made of larch wood in a warm teak color and has a canopy that is perfect for a bit of shade. The canopy can be removed and machine washed.
Hanging hammock rocking chair
If you prefer a fabric finish to your garden swing instead of wood, this hammock can easily be hung from a sturdy branch or pergola. It can be used indoors or outdoors and holds up to 120 kg. The bar is made of FSC-certified birch wood.
Charles Bentley Garden wooden swing seat
This wooden swing seat with a weatherproof, durable and solid frame is ideal for garden or patio areas of any size, ideal for lounging and relaxing in the summer months.
Serena swing seat
£ 659.99
This large swing seat made of solid wood is perfect as a permanent element in a large garden. The pillow is not included.
Allon swing seat
This dark pine two-seater rocking chair has a geometric design on the backrests. High-performance metal chains offer a strong hold. The A-frame construction makes it more stable.
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