Garden Therapy: Why Getting Your Hands Dirty Is the Best 'Medicine'

June 02, 2026Download PDF Story at-a-glance Gardening adds meaningful weekly physical activity without requiring a formal workout, helping you build strength, balance, and endurance through real-world movement Spending time in the garden lowers stress hormones and shifts your body into a calmer, recovery-focused state, improving mood and mental clarity Regular gardening is linked to better memory, sharper thinking, and greater independence as you age by engaging multiple brain functions at once Working with soil and plants supports your brain at a biological level, increasing blood flow and boosting compounds that strengthen memory and learning Growing your own food naturally improves your diet by increasing how often you eat fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables If you've been searching for a single activity that improves your physical health, calms your nervous system, and protects your brain as you age, the answer might be sitting right outside your door. Gardening is often …