- According to new research published in the journal Ecopsychology, surrounding yourself with nature—especially the activity of gardening—can help reduce stress and anxiety, and can boost feelings of body positivity.
- If gardening isn’t your thing—or if you simply don’t have access to any plants, flowers, or gardening tools at the moment—getting outside in any form (like your regular rides) can help, too.
In the midst of social distancing, you’ll likely do whatever it takes to alleviate your coronavirus-induced stress and anxiety. And while it’s maybe not the first thing you’d think to do, gardening can seriously help, new research suggests. Not only can it help you feel less tense, but it can also help boost body positivity.
Published in Ecopsychology, the study followed at 84 urban gardeners in London and collected their opinions on how they felt about their bodies as well as the amount of time they spent gardening. Researchers then compared that data to 81 non-gardeners from the same area in London, finding that the longer time participants spent gardening, the more they expressed positive thoughts about their body image. They defined that as “an overarching love and respect for the body,” and appreciation for both appearance and function, as well as acceptance of the body despite perceived imperfections.
Researchers clarified that positive body image isn’t merely the absence of dissatisfaction or a negative view, but instead a perspective that drives psychological and physical wellbeing. For example, they noted that those with more positive body image tend to have better self-care behaviors that help them thrive. In other words, if you love your body and all it can do, you’re more apt to take care of it, making you healthier both physically and emotionally.
In terms of why nature specifically might have this effect, previous research has found time in natural settings—like outdoor gardens—can bring down levels of cortisol, the hormone most connected to stress, and that may lead to more positive feelings in general.
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Adding engagement into the mix can have an even more powerful effect, according to the study’s lead author, Viren Swami, Ph.D., professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University in the U.K. Swami told Bicycling that an increased sense of being connected to others tends to boost feelings of self-care and self-regard.
Fortunately, that can extend to tending plants indoors as well, he added, since it brings similar feelings of connection and appreciation for the body’s abilities. For those under stay-at-home orders or who are at least trying to employ social distancing, that might mean getting more plants into your indoor mix.
Not the gardening type? Finding that investment in nature through other activities does the trick, too. Sure, previous research has shown that hopping on your indoor trainer or doing a basement HIIT workout can help reduce stress, but getting outside—such as riding down a green, tree-lined route—can especially do wonders for your emotional health.
“Nature exposure has been shown to improve self-compassion and a sense of connectedness, and both are associated with healthier body image,” Swami said. “Also, spending time in nature may help individuals have a greater appreciation of the body’s function rather than appearance.”
4 Great Garden Hoses
Elizabeth Millard is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, fitness, and food.
