The Benefits of Gardening: A Yoga Instructor's Perspective

As a yoga instructor and California yoga studio owner, I’ve seen the powerful connection between the mind and body that arises through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation. But there is another practice that often goes unmentioned in wellness circles: gardening. While it may seem worlds apart from a yoga mat, gardening shares many of the same benefits, offering a unique and grounded approach to holistic well-being.

Here’s a deep dive into the many benefits of gardening through my lens.

Cultivating Mindfulness in Nature:

At the heart of yoga lies mindfulness—being fully present in the moment, aware of your breath, and in tune with your body. Gardening is no different. It invites you to engage with the earth, the plants, and the environment in a way that requires your full attention. From planting seeds to weeding, there’s a rhythm and a flow to gardening that encourages focus and presence.

As you care for your garden, you learn to listen to the subtle needs of the plants, just as in yoga we listen to the subtle messages of our bodies. This act of listening fosters a sense of awareness that benefits both mental and physical well-being.

A Full-Body Workout and “Work-IN”

One of the most immediate benefits of gardening is the physical movement involved. It’s not unlike the physical aspect of yoga—stretching, bending, reaching, and squatting all contribute to increased flexibility, strength, and stamina. You’re engaging your muscles in a variety of ways, whether you're digging, planting, or pruning. The repetitive, natural movements allow your body to develop stability and balance, much like the asanas (yoga poses) we practice on the mat. In fact, gardening can help to improve posture, enhance muscle tone, and even reduce the risk of chronic pain. It’s an opportunity to stretch out the body after long periods of sitting, just as yoga encourages you to move mindfully and avoid stiffness.  Plus it’s so healing to get your hands in the dirt!  Sounds trivial, but it’s true!

A Healing Practice for the Mind

Yoga isn’t just about flexibility in the body—it’s also about cultivating a peaceful and focused mind. The act of gardening can be incredibly therapeutic, providing a natural stress reliever. When you immerse yourself in the repetitive motions of digging or pruning, it allows you to shift your focus away from the pressures and anxieties of daily life. It’s like a moving meditation where the rhythm of your actions can help clear your mind, calm your nervous system, and reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that time spent in nature, especially with hands in the soil, can lower cortisol levels, reducing overall stress. Gardening encourages you to slow down and be present, much like yoga encourages you to settle into each breath and each posture with intention.

Connection with Nature and the Earth Element…you’ve heard of barefooting, right?

In yoga, we often speak of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The earth element is associated with GROUNDING, stability, and support. Gardening is one of the most direct ways to connect with the earth element. By cultivating a garden, you’re physically engaging with the soil, plants, and trees, fostering a deeper connection with nature and grounding yourself in the process. This connection to the earth reminds us of the importance of rootedness and stability in life. Just as we find stability in our yoga practice by rooting down through our feet or sitting bones, gardening teaches us to feel rooted in the soil as we plant and nurture life. It's a reminder of the cyclical nature of life—planting, growing, and harvesting—just as in yoga, we experience the flow of life, from breath to movement, to stillness.

Nourishment for the Body…

Gardening, especially when growing your own fruits and vegetables, like I try to, provides a direct source of nourishment. Yoga often emphasizes the importance of mindful eating, being aware of what we put into our bodies and how it fuels us. Gardening allows us to grow our own food, deepening our understanding of where our food comes from and how it affects our health. There is something incredibly satisfying about eating food you’ve grown yourself. The process of caring for your plants and watching them flourish brings a sense of pride and accomplishment, just as yoga offers the reward of mindfulness and strength with every practice. Plus, homegrown produce is often fresher and more nutrient-dense than store-bought options, contributing to overall vitality.  It feels good to pull my own fruits from the arth and feed my family…it’s soul warming.  I love sharing herbs with friends & neighbors too, it creates a sense of community and mindfulness when sharing with those you love.

A Path to Self-Care and Reflection…I always feel so peaceful and full after a harvest in my yard. Yoga is an act of self-care—a way to nurture both your mind and body. Gardening offers a similar kind of care, but in a different form. It invites you to slow down and engage in an activity that promotes relaxation and well-being. Whether you're tending to flowers or growing food, gardening provides an opportunity to take time for yourself, enjoy solitude, and reflect.

The quiet moments spent in your garden can also serve as an excellent opportunity for contemplation. Just as a yoga practice often leads to self-discovery, gardening can be a space where you reflect on the cycles of life, growth, and change.  I often boom with ideas, ah-ha moments and even solutions to issues.

Fostering Patience and Resilience…you’ve heard that saying, “the day you plant the seed isn’t the day you get the fruits” well gardening teaches us that great things take time!

Both yoga and gardening teach us the importance of patience. In yoga, we are reminded that progress is gradual, and growth doesn’t happen overnight. Similarly, gardening requires patience as you wait for seeds to sprout, flowers to bloom, and fruits to ripen. There may be setbacks—plants may not grow as expected or pests may invade—but gardening teaches resilience and acceptance, qualities that yoga fosters as well.

Through gardening, we learn to accept the natural pace of growth and the impermanence of all things. It teaches us to embrace both success and failure with grace, cultivating a deeper understanding of life’s cycles.

A Sense of Community and Connection, like I mentioned before it’s fun to share plants with friends or give lettuce to my daughter in law. While yoga often emphasizes individual practice, there is also a strong sense of community that can be found within gardening. Whether it’s joining a community garden, swapping tips with fellow gardeners, or sharing your harvest with friends and family, gardening offers an opportunity for connection with others. Just as yoga fosters a sense of unity and shared experience in a class, gardening can bring people together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.  Our friend group always jokes that we want to buy land and start a farm together where we grow all of our own food and share the work together with our children…Ottawa Hills would be a wonderful place for a community garden, wouldn’t it be fun?

As a yoga instructor and mama, I’ve come to realize that the benefits of gardening extend far beyond the garden itself. It shares many of the same principles that make yoga such a powerful practice: mindfulness, movement, connection, and self-care. By cultivating a garden, we can nurture not just the earth, our children and families, but also our own well-being as a village. So the next time you’re out in the garden, take a deep breath, get your hands in the soil, and let the healing power of nature support you on your journey toward balance and inner peace.