Most see their lawns as a place for barbecues, family games, or simply an important aesthetic enhancement to their home
But much more intuitively, we know time spent outdoors can be great for physical & mental health – and that includes your garden.
Reliable and well-respected research highlights that engaging with green spaces, including your garden, can lower stress, encourage exercise, and improve emotional well-being.
So what’s the substance behind the headlines…
You can find the sources at the bottom of this post.
1. Physical Health Benefits: Promoting Activity and Fitness
Well-maintained lawns encourage outdoor activities, such as walking, stretching, or playing with children and pets.
Studies suggest that spending time in natural spaces encourages regular physical activity, helping to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and obesity. People who actively use their green spaces are also more likely to meet their daily exercise goals, which can improve cardiovascular health and immune function.
Lawns also provide a soft, safe surface for outdoor play, ideal for children and adults alike. Encouraging outdoor time reduces sedentary behaviour and decreases time spent in front of screens, which is linked to better sleep quality and overall health.
2. Mental Health Benefits: Nature’s Antidote to Stress and Anxiety
Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to green spaces can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Harvard researchers have found that people who spend time outdoors experience lower levels of rumination (the repetitive negative thoughts often linked to mental health disorders). These benefits are tied to sensory stimulation from nature and reduced overstimulation from urban environments.
A review of gardening activities supports these findings, showing a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improved mood and mental clarity among participants involved in maintaining outdoor spaces.
3. Quality of Life: Enhancing Social Bonds and Community Engagement
Gardens and lawns can enhance social cohesion and community interaction. Outdoor spaces offer a neutral ground for socialising with neighbours and family, strengthening social ties that contribute to emotional well-being.
Evidence from healthcare strategies using nature-based activities suggests that green spaces, such as private lawns, can play a pivotal role in building supportive communities and fostering mental resilience
So, we’re a bit biassed but we truly believe a beautifully maintained lawn offers more than just aesthetic pleasure. The evidence suggests it’s an investment in your health and happiness too.
So next time you mow or water the lawn (maybe in partnership with LawnsOne – hint hint), you’re very likely also taking care of your overall health too.
References
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – How green spaces, including lawns, improve mental well-being by lowering stress, enhancing mindfulness, and promoting physical activity, which helps prevent chronic diseases. Harvard Chan School of Public Health
BMJ Open – This scoping review maps the evidence on the health benefits of gardening and green spaces, showing that they enhance mental and physical health. It emphasises the role of green spaces in healthcare strategy, suggesting their use as a social prescription for well-being and chronic disease prevention. BMJ Open
BMC Systematic Reviews – This umbrella review compiles several studies showing how gardening activities improve well-being, reduce anxiety, and enhance cognitive function. It highlights the broad health benefits derived from engaging with natural spaces. BioMed Central