How Gardening Can Help Mental Health: A Look At The Benefits And How To Get Started
Mental health is an important issue for many people, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when searching for ways to cope with the effects of anxiety, depression, or another mental illness. That’s why gardening can be such a helpful activity – it can not only provide a distraction from troubling thoughts but also provide physical and mental health benefits. In this article, we’ll look at how gardening helps mental health and how to get started with gardening.
If you don’t have a garden space but a small courtyard or balcony, potted plants are always a good alternative – herbs are a great start in your gardening journey and smell fantastic, bulbs such as alliums, daffodils, tulips are an excellent way to brighten up and space. Growing lettuce and mixed salad are great to grow in pots and can be harvested all summer.
So are allotments which is a great way to get start and there are always people around you and always from my experience willing to help and share their knowledge!
Introduction to How Gardening Can Help Mental Health
Gardening can be a great way to improve your mental health. The physical activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while the process of caring for plants can boost your mood and sense of well-being.
There are many different ways to get started with gardening, so it’s easy to find an approach that suits you. You could start with some simple potted plants on your windowsill, or go all out and create a vegetable patch in your backyard. Either way, you’re sure to reap the benefits of this therapeutic hobby.
Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health
Research has shown that people who garden have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their bodies. Gardening can also help to boost moods and improve feelings of well-being. A study done by the University of Michigan found that people who gardened had higher levels of self-esteem and satisfaction with their lives than those who did not garden.
Gardening can also be a great way to get some exercise. Getting outside and being active can help to improve mental health by increasing endorphins, which are hormones that lead to feelings of happiness and relaxation. Exercise has also been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
If you’re looking for a new hobby or activity that can help improve your mental health, consider gardening!
What Does Science Say?
There’s no doubt that getting out in nature can have a positive effect on our mental health. But what does science say about the specific benefits of gardening?
A growing body of research suggests that gardening can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. One study found that gardeners had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than non-gardeners. Another found that people who participated in horticultural therapy had lower anxiety and depression scores than those who didn’t.
Gardening can also be a great way to get some exercise. Even just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity like gardening can have significant health benefits. And if you’re not used to being active, it’s a good way to start building up your fitness levels gradually.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider giving gardening a try. It’s a great way to get outside, connect with nature, and reap all the benefits that come with it!
Alternative Ways To Benefit From Nature
In the past decade, there has been a growing body of evidence that suggests being in nature can have a positive impact on mental health. A 2010 study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that spending time in nature can reduce stress hormone levels and improve mood and concentration.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your mental health, spending time in nature is a great place to start. Here are some alternative ways to benefit from nature:
- Spend time outdoors every day: Make an effort to spend at least 30 minutes outside each day, even if it’s just taking a walk around your block or sitting in your backyard. The fresh air and natural light will do wonders for your mood and energy levels.
- Connect with nature: Take some time to really connect with nature by going for hikes, swimming in lakes or rivers, or even just spending time observing animals in their natural habitat. Letting go of technology and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can help clear your mind and ease stress.
- Make time for nature photography: Taking photos of nature is another great way to immerse yourself in the outdoors while also creating lasting memories. You could even turn your photos into a digital or printed photo book and share them with family and friends!
- Explore new outdoor activities: Find some adventurous outdoor activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and surfing that you can do on your own or with family and friends. Trying new things is an exciting and exhilarating way to experience the world around you.
Nature can be an amazing source of rejuvenation and relaxation, so find creative ways to bring more of it into your daily life!
Conclusion
Gardening is a great way of helping to improve mental health and well-being. Not only does it provide tangible, physical benefits by improving our diet, developing skills and giving us access to nature’s beauty but it can also help reduce stress levels, increase concentration, promote patience and give us a sense of achievement.
Don’t be afraid to get started – all you need are some basic tools and plants or seeds to begin your garden journey today! So read our new blog on how to get started in getting your hand dirty on your very own garden.