In recent times, more and more people are starting to appreciate the healing power of nature. Gardening, in particular, is being recognized as a therapeutic activity with numerous benefits for mental health. Tending to plants, whether it’s a backyard garden or a small indoor setup, can be an excellent way to alleviate stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. This blog post will explore six ways gardening can boost your mental health and why it might be the perfect hobby to incorporate into your routine.
1. Physical Activity
Gardening is a form of physical activity that gets you moving and active. It may not be as intense as a gym workout, but it involves various physical tasks like digging, planting, watering, and pruning. All these activities get your blood flowing and help to release endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good hormones.
Engaging in physical activity can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. A 2017 review of studies found that people who do regular physical activity have lower rates of depression and anxiety than those who do not. Gardening can be a fun and enjoyable way of incorporating physical activity into your routine, especially for those who aren’t keen on traditional forms of exercise.
2. Connection with Nature
Gardening provides an opportunity to connect with nature, something that’s often lacking in our modern, busy lives. This connection can have a calming effect and help alleviate stress.
Research shows that spending time in nature can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening can lower cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress) and improve mood. So, next time you’re feeling stressed, try spending some time in your garden.
3. Nurturing Living Things
The act of nurturing plants can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be beneficial for mental health. Taking care of a living thing, seeing it grow and flourish, can give a sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem.
This nurturing aspect of gardening can also provide a distraction from negative thoughts and help to foster a more positive mindset. Studies have shown that activities that require focus and attention can help to disrupt the cycle of negative thoughts that often accompanies depression and anxiety.
4. Creativity and Self-Expression
Gardening allows for creativity and self-expression. From choosing what plants to grow, to deciding where to place them and how to arrange them, gardening can be a creative outlet that helps to boost mood and reduce stress.
Creating a space that reflects your tastes and personality can be a rewarding experience. It also provides a sense of control, which can be beneficial for mental health. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Public Health found that gardening could improve mood and self-esteem, and reduce feelings of tension, depression, and anger.
5. Social Interaction
Gardening can also provide opportunities for social interaction, which is important for mental health. Joining a local gardening club or participating in community gardening projects can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Social interaction can provide emotional support, improve mood, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health found that social interaction can help to improve mental health and well-being in older adults.
6. Mindfulness
Gardening can help to promote mindfulness – the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment. This can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being.
Mindful gardening involves paying attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of the garden, and the sensation of the soil in your hands. This can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening can help to promote mindfulness and reduce stress.