Why mowing the lawn relieves stress and boosts your memory
Researchers have discovered that a chemical released by a mown lawn makes people feel happy and relaxed, and could prevent mental decline in old age.
Now scientists say they have developed a perfume which 'smells like a freshly-cut lawn' which relieves stress and help boost memory.
After seven years of research, Australian scientists say 'eau de mow' works directly on the brain, in particular the emotional and memory parts.
'Three days in Yosemite National Park felt like a three-month holiday,' he said. 'I didn't realise at the time that it was the actual combination of feel-good chemicals released by the pine trees, the lush vegetation and the cut grass that made me feel so relaxed.
'Years later my neighbour commented on the wonderful smell of cut grass after I had mowed the lawn and it all started to click into place.' Dr Lavidis said the aroma worked on the emotional and memory parts of the brain known as the amygdala and the hippocampus.
'These two areas are responsible for the flight or fight response and the endocrine system, which controls the releasing of stress hormones like corticosteroids. The new spray appears to regulate these areas.
'There are two types of stress. The first is when you are about to perform something or you know you are going to have to do something well. That's acute stress and can be a good form of stress.
'Bad stress is chronic stress and is associated with an increase in blood pressure, forgetfulness and a weakening of the immune system.'
Chronic stress has been shown to damage the hippocampus by reducing the number of connections between communicating cells, leading to memory loss.
Students working on the Australian project found that animals exposed to Serenascent – which combines three chemicals released when green leaves are cut – escaped damage to the hippocampus.
The scent is said to have the 'pleasant aroma of a freshly-cut lawn or a walk through a lush forest'. It will go into production next month and sell for around £4 a bottle.
Dr Lavidis, who worked with pharmacologist Professor Rosemary Einstein, said: 'It can be used as a room spray or a personal spray on bed linen, a handkerchief or clothing. Down the track we will look at incorporating the feel good chemicals into other products.'
As for memory, I don't think it's true, but the fact that after I cut all my tiftuf bermuda grass in my yard, my stress goes away is true. After all, any physical activity contributes to this, and I believe that sometimes mowing the lawn is also a physical activity, especially since my lawnmower is already old and heavy. But you know, I am very glad that I do a little fitness every morning before work, which allows me to live and function better at work. And in general, I have always been interested in reading doctors' observations. It is so useful.
Posted by: WhitmanLadick | May 16, 2022 at 11:18
As for memory, I don't think it's true, but the fact that after I cut all my tiftuf bermuda grass in my yard, my stress goes away is true
Posted by: WhitmanLadick | May 10, 2022 at 11:36
How, i wanna start a lawn care business but don't a complete knowledge on how to go about this. Is there any advise here or resource to fall back upon?
Reply: We have sent you a direct email with some options to assist you. There are however 1,500 lawn related articles on here to help you and it is all free!
Posted by: Moganna Lots | November 17, 2020 at 19:01
As a landscape contractor I can confirm lawn mowing really is a great stress relief. I have been a landscape contractor for the last 10 years and wouldn't want to do anything else.
Posted by: Landscape Contractor | February 02, 2019 at 14:15
Is it near the 1st of April if so I’d have thought this would be a wind up. If not I may have to buy a bottle of 2.
Reply - this is genuine research as much as you can believe what you read in the Press!
Posted by: Andrew Palmer | June 03, 2018 at 08:28
Lawn Mowing is really a great stress relief work that can be carried out by any person. Just by mowing and walking on your lawn can bring great energy to you and your mind will be refreshed. Walk on your lawn bare feet, to increase the blood circulation for your feet. Thank you for a great article.
Posted by: Ervin | April 03, 2018 at 14:35