Wondering why you should start gardening? Is it a waste of time? Do you consider it a rich person’s activity with very little or no advantage to you? Well, you may begin to reconsider your position as gardening has been found to offer tremendous advantages to people across various demographics. This means that the opportunities gardening opens to people have no restrictions whatsoever. It could serve as a source of fulfilment, increasing your overall perspective of life, opening up more empathetic portals in you. With gardening, you can also become more focused. The American health practitioner, Richard Thompson asserts that everyone needs a dose of gardening as digging in the dirt could just be dragging into new layers of gold health daily.
While gardening is often viewed as a hobby for those with a green thumb, its benefits extend far beyond the aesthetic appeal of a well-maintained garden. New studies focus on establishing a link, based on rigorous empirical studies, between gardening and mental health. Many people have also testified that gardening improves the overall state of their mind. So, you too should jump on the train and start digging into the earth. Here’s why you should consider picking up this rewarding activity.
Stress Reduction
One of the most immediate benefits of gardening is its ability to reduce stress. Spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. The repetitive tasks of planting, weeding, and watering provide a sense of routine and predictability, which can be soothing. Also, it reduces anxiety by creating hope in the gardener. Suddenly, you have something you are looking forward to and this can eliminate immediate worries and give you a stronger reason to live. Here’s how this happens:
- Nature’s Calming Effect: The natural environment in gardens, with its greenery and fresh air, has a calming effect on the mind. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Mindfulness Practice: Gardening naturally incorporates mindfulness as you focus on the task at hand, whether it’s planting seeds or pruning flowers. This presence in the moment can help divert your mind from daily stressors and worries. (Did you know that forest bathing is important in areas reduction? See how)
Physical Activity and Endorphins
Gardening involves a range of physical activities, from digging and planting to raking and weeding. This physical exertion is a form of moderate exercise that helps release endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Endorphins are important in combatting mental health disorders like hypochondriac syndromes, depression, etc. So, considering minimising the risk of depression? Consider gardening. Endorphins released from gardening could also help with:
- Improved Fitness: Regular gardening can improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. It can also serve as a form of low-impact exercise suitable for all ages.
- Sleep Quality: Physical activity, particularly in the fresh air, can improve sleep patterns, leading to better overall mental health.
Sense of Accomplishment
Gardening provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. Watching your plants grow and thrive under your care can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. With gardening, every day presents new opportunities to achieve a goal. You have to weed. Chase away rodents and insects. You have to clean and whatnot. With continued achievements of these daily goals, you overall sense of self and achievements could be massively impacted positively.
- Goal Setting and Achievement: Setting gardening goals, such as growing a particular vegetable or maintaining a flower bed, and achieving these goals can enhance self-worth and motivation.
- Creative Outlet: Gardening allows for creative expression. Designing a garden layout, choosing plants, and decorating can fulfill creative needs and provide satisfaction.
Connection with Nature
Humans have an inherent connection to nature, often referred to as biophilia. Gardening nurtures this connection, providing a sense of harmony and belonging. So, if you have been thinking of how best to get closer to mother earth and her sustainability, start digging. More hands are needed on the deck, or mower.
- Grounding: Engaging with the soil and plants can create a grounding effect, which is beneficial for mental clarity and emotional stability.
- Environmental Stewardship: Understanding and participating in the growth cycle of plants can foster a greater appreciation for the environment and promote sustainable practices.
Social Interaction
Gardening can also be a social activity, fostering connections with others. Community gardens, gardening clubs, and horticultural societies provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and share experiences. Participating in a community garden can help build a sense of community and belonging. It provides a platform to meet neighbours, make friends, and work towards a common goal. Also, exchanging tips and advice with fellow gardeners can enhance your gardening skills and create a support network. This also offers more benefits beyond mental health. A robust study indicates that lonely people having higher chances of suffering a heart disease and stroke by 29% than others. Social interactions and network built through gardening could potentially minimise this risk.
Therapeutic Gardening
Horticultural therapy, the use of gardening activities to improve mental health, is increasingly recognized as an effective therapeutic approach. It is used in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centres.
- Rehabilitation: For individuals recovering from illness or injury, gardening can aid in physical and mental rehabilitation. It encourages gentle physical activity and offers a sense of progression and recovery.
- Cognitive Benefits: Gardening activities can also improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Tasks that involve planning, memory, and problem-solving can keep the mind sharp.
All these benefits are only some of the innumerable benefits you can get from gardening. By way of reinforcing this, gardening is important to your mental health as it can help with cortisol management, release more endorphins, give you a sense of accomplishments, etc. You should start gardening today. I’ll share a few tips.
Getting Started with Gardening
If you’re new to gardening, starting can be simple and enjoyable. Here are some tips to get you going:
• Start Small: Begin with a small garden bed or a few pots. Herbs and easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes or lettuce are great for beginners.
• Learn the Basics: Understanding basic gardening principles such as soil types, watering needs, and light requirements can set you up for success. There are plenty of resources available online or at local garden centres.
• Join a Community: Consider joining a local gardening club or community garden. This can provide support, resources, and a social network.
• Be Patient: Gardening requires patience and persistence. Plants take time to grow, and not every attempt will be successful. Learn from any mistakes and enjoy the process.
In conclusion, gardening offers numerous mental health benefits, from stress reduction and physical activity to a sense of accomplishment and social interaction. By incorporating gardening into your routine, you can improve your overall well-being while enjoying the beauty and satisfaction that comes from nurturing life. Whether you have a large garden or just a few pots on a balcony, the mental health benefits of gardening are within your reach.
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