Gardening can reduce stress

Gardening can reduce stress

» 25th May 2010 «

Ronseal has teamed up with a psychology expert to establish the benefits of gardening on the mind.

According to the study's author Geoff Beattie, getting out into the garden, a park or other natural green space can have a positive effect on people's psyche.

The Manchester University professor also noted that around a quarter of Brits do not spend enough time outdoors.

He explained that looking after the garden can reduce stress and illicit a positive emotional response in people.

"Gardening itself is a good physical activity," the expert noted.

"In addition, it has got the desired characteristic of taking you out of yourself, caring and nurturing and thinking about something else and again, you are tending to spend prolonged periods of time in a natural environment."

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph has won the Best Show Garden award at the Chelsea Flower Show, which is taking place in London this week.