Beating the Winter Blues: How Gardening Can Nurture Your Well-Being Year-Round

Today, February 21 most of the country is experiencing unprecedented cold temperatures, and for some that impacts our mood. Whether it’s mild winter blues or the more severe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), colder months can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. But here’s the good news—letting nature nurture you doesn’t have to happen outside.

The definition of “winter blues” refers to a common, mild decrease in mood and energy during the colder, darker months. While not a clinical diagnosis, it encompasses feelings of sadness, lethargy, and reduced motivation that many individuals experience as daylight diminishes. In contrast, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinically recognized form of depression with a seasonal pattern, typically occurring in the fall and winter months. SAD’s symptoms are more severe than those of the winter blues and can significantly interfere with daily functioning. According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD “begins and ends at about the same times every year,” with symptoms often starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months, sapping energy and causing moodiness. 

mayoclinic.org

It’s important to distinguish between the winter blues and SAD. While the winter blues are relatively common and less severe, SAD is a subtype of major depression that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. If you find that your seasonal mood changes are impacting your daily life, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Why Do We Experience Winter Blues?

The lack of sunlight in winter can disrupt our circadian rhythm, lower serotonin levels (which affect mood), and reduce vitamin D production—factors that contribute to feeling sluggish, uninspired, or even sad.

According to Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the psychiatrist who first described Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

“Nature has endowed us with a deep and abiding need for sunlight. When that is diminished, many people feel its loss in their energy, enthusiasm, and overall well-being.”

While we can’t control the seasons, we can bring nature inside, using plants as a way to reconnect, refresh, and restore our sense of balance.

The Science Behind Gardening & Mental Health

Research shows that gardening has profound psychological and physiological benefits. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boosts mood more effectively than other leisure activities.

How a Desktop Garden Can Help You Thrive This Winter

Grounding & Stress Relief – Simply touching soil and tending to plants can lower anxiety and increase serotonin levels, helping combat feelings of sadness or restlessness.

Increased Focus & Productivity – A small desktop garden can boost concentration and creativity, making workdays feel less draining. Studies show that indoor plants increase productivity by up to 15%.

Mindfulness & Routine – Taking just 1-2 minutes a day to water, mist, or observe your plants encourages mindfulness. The simple act of tending to something living can offer a sense of control, calm, and accomplishment.

The Role of Soil in Beating the Winter Blues

Believe it or not, soil itself plays a role in mental health. Certain microbes in soil, like Mycobacterium vaccae, have been shown to stimulate serotonin production, acting as a natural antidepressant.

A study in Neuroscience found that exposure to this soil bacteria enhanced mood and cognitive function in mice, suggesting that the simple act of handling soil could have profound benefits for humans.

Winter may be long, but bringing nature indoors can be a powerful tool for well-being. Your desktop garden isn’t just decoration—it’s a small, thriving reminder of growth, resilience, and renewal.

Many GPs are prescribing gardening, and horticultural therapy, and are advocates of green care. The GP William Bird, who edited the recently published Oxford Textbook of Nature and Public Health is a strong advocate of prescribing nature and estimated that for every $1.31 the National Health Service spends gardening, $6.56 could be saved through reduced health costs.

In a world filled with constant stimulation and stress, reconnecting with the natural growth force—the steady, patient rhythm of plants and nature—can be incredibly grounding. Tending to a garden, even a small desktop one, aligns us with nature’s process of growth, resilience, and renewal, offering profound mental health benefits.