MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS: Why does gardening feel so good? The physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors explained

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Sir Cary Cooper is a professor of psychology and health at the University of Manchester.

Prof Cooper says our love of gardening is rooted in our primitive past.

He explains: "Think where we come from as human beings and our historical past: we lived in nature and we still have that need for nature in our lives. Otherwise people would not have gardens or even parks.

"It’s part of our primitive past. Being outside soothes the savage beast as it were. It takes us way back."

Prof Cooper says gardening has a more heightened appeal during stressful or sad times.

At the moment, being outside takes us away from the constant and often negative feed of information about coronavirus.

"It’s good for you because you’re connecting with nature, you're hearing birdsong, you’ve got your hands in the soil," says Prof Cooper.

"We know through biophilic design how to bring nature into the office and the home by having lots of plants and water features.

"All of that makes people feel more relaxed: it reduces stress levels they are experiencing.

"And with gardening you are getting physical exercise, which is very important.

"You’re being physically active while getting that connection with nature.

"It’s being outside and away from everything. You’re engaging with something completely separate. You’re thinking about your plants, you’re digging in the soil, you might even be able to hear some water flowing.

"It takes you away from the constant drip drip drip of negative news. I think anxiety levels are high for everyone. People are becoming news junkies.

"To overcome that you have to stay cognitively active and get away from the constant feed of negativity."