The pressures of modern day life are really taking their toll on us at present. Many of us are feeling the impact on our mental health, with an increase in the likes of anxiety, addiction, stress and depression.
Seeking to reduce that stress and combat our challenges is a must. Often this requires seeing a counsellor or visiting a private mental health clinic, and as part of that finding a hobby or activity that can relieve stress is a big part of that.
With the summer now here, gardening is often one of the go-tos for improving mental health. But why exactly is that?
Stress Relief and Relaxation
First and foremost, gardening in itself is a powerful antidote to stress. The fact that you’re outdoors and surrounded by nature does have a calming effect on the mind. When you’re in your garden, your focus shifts from the day to day worries you may be struggling with to being in the moment and concentrating on the task at hand.
This mindfulness, combined with the rhythmic nature of gardening, whether it be planting, weeding or watering can create a meditative atmosphere that can encourage relaxation and reduce stress.
Boosting Mood and Combating Depression
Gardening is proven to make us feel better. It’s a natural mood booster, with watching your plants grow providing a real sense of achievement and purpose. Essentially, you’re accountable for your plants’ lives, and that in itself can help combat feelings of depression.
The physical exercise you get from gardening also releases endorphins, the feel good hormone, and as a result will boost mood. This is combined withthe vitamin D you’ll get from the sun, which can further aid our mood. It’s a gentle way to boost mood but an incredibly effective one.
Enhancing Focus and Concentration
Gardening tasks do require attention to detail and planning. You need to think about what plants to grow and where to grow them based upon sunlight and shade. You need to consider how frequently to water them, when to repot, when to harvest and much more. This can all stimulate the brain in a positive way.
It can also provide structure to a day, knowing you’ve got a period of time each day where you can fully concentrate without distraction, which will enhance focus and clarity that can be taken into the rest of your life.
Building a Sense of Community
Actually, gardening can be a social activity. There are many ways this can be the case, whether it be volunteering with local gardening clubs looking after communal spaces, or registering for an allotment, getting to know the plot holders around you.
Joining local clubs, or even joining online groups can really improve social interaction and connect with like-minded people, reducing feelings of isolation, which can often bring on the likes of anxiety and depression.
Promoting Physical Health, which Supports Mental Well-being
Ultimately, physical health and mental health are closely interconnected. The physical activity involved in gardening, such as digging, planting, and weeding, contributes to better physical fitness, which in turn supports mental well-being. Regular physical activity is known to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and boost overall mood. Gardening, therefore, provides a form of exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise, making it an enjoyable way to stay active. Additionally, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs can encourage healthier eating habits, providing your body with the nutrients needed to support both physical and mental health.
