If you’re a plant lover like me, you probably enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors. Since I moved from an apartment to a house with a garden, my life has changed. However, know that you can practice mindful gardening even in small apartments. It’s all about the effort you put into it.
That’s why today we’re talking about the mental health benefits of gardening. And if you’re still struggling with it or want to start gardening, stick around because this blog is for you too!
The Impact of Gardening on Mental Health
Did you know there is increasing evidence that exposure to plants and green space, particularly gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health? Personally, spending at least 10 to 15 minutes outside each day changes my breathing and helps lower my stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, watching plants grow as a metaphor for our own growth has greatly helped me on my personal journey toward well-being.
Gardening engages the body in aerobic activities such as digging, shoveling, hauling, pulling, bending, and kneeling. These activities not only help burn calories but can also strengthen our bones and muscles. Yet, most have never considered the positive impact these physical activities intrinsic to gardening have on our minds. It is difficult to think of little else while connected to the earth digging, packing, and hauling dirt, the earth itself. Gardening is an immersive exercise and as a form of mindful movement can bring about a greater connection between your mind, body, and spirit.
While researching the benefits of gardening, we came across this information from Jennifer Grooms of @time4changesorg:
- Gardening provides a sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting self-esteem.
- It’s a great stress-reliever, as it helps to reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels.
- Being surrounded by nature and greenery can improve your mood and promote relaxation.
- Gardening can provide a sense of purpose and structure to your day, helping you to feel more productive and fulfilled.
- Growing your own fruits and vegetables can make you feel more connected to your surroundings and the environment.
- The physical activity of gardening can increase dopamine levels, providing a natural “feel-good” reward for your brain.
- Being outdoors and tending to a garden can improve your Vitamin D levels, which is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.
- Gardening can be a creative outlet, providing a space to express yourself and tap into your imagination.
The Importance of Spending Time in Nature
Nature helps us maintain our emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. How nature contributes to our well-being may vary depending on where we live. But it’s a fact that whether it’s going to a park, the beach, spending time in a garden, or simply looking at the sky and watching the birds, it is incredibly important for our overall well-being. Nature’s rhythmic patterns, such as the sound of running water, rustling leaves, and singing birds, naturally align with our bodies’ rhythms, easing mental strain and calming us down.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity, and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety.
Did you know that…
- Green spaces near schools promote cognitive development in children and green views near children’s homes promote self-control behaviors?
- Adults assigned to public housing units in neighborhoods with more green space showed better attentional functioning than those assigned to units with less access to natural environments?
- Experiments have found that exposure to natural environments improves working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attentional control, while exposure to urban environments is linked to attention deficits?
How to Start Gardening
If you’re not practicing gardening yet but are eager to get started, congratulations—this is a big step! Wanting to invest quality time in our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being is essential. We spend so much time sitting in front of screens, and being in contact with nature, even for just a short time each day, really makes a difference.
Here are 5 tips to get started with gardening:
- Start small!
Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many tasks—just begin by cleaning your pots and taking care of the plants you already have.
- Compost is your best ally!
If you’re not composting yet, what are you waiting for? Your organic waste can turn into fertile soil—did you know that?
- Don’t let the cold stop you!
Yes, we know the days are getting colder, but gardening also helps you warm up and stay active.
- Research and see what feels right for you!
Maybe you’re into vegetables and growing your own garden, or perhaps you prefer flowers.
- Plant herbs and spices!
Cooking with the plants from your garden is a one-way street—your family and yourself will thank you!
My Personal Gardening Experience
As I mentioned before, when I moved into a house with a garden, my life completely changed. I work from home, and it can be really stressful to be in front of my computer all day. That’s why I’ve learned to truly appreciate the moments I get to spend outside, enjoying nature.
I started with a few indoor plants in my previous apartments, and I loved it. I still have them today and continue to take care of them. Then, I set up my compost, and I absolutely love taking care of it and making sure everything is in order. After that, I got brave and planted some vegetables, with both good and not-so-good experiences. The only thing left on my list is to try growing flowers, which is something I’d love to do.
Of course, we all have busy lives, and our routines leave us with little free time. However, every day, I try to look at the sky, touch the grass, and feel the fresh air on my face. And although they may seem like simple things, they truly make a difference.
That’s why I want to encourage you to start recognizing the things that make you feel good. Maybe it’s taking care of your indoor plants, maybe it’s picking flowers to scent your home, or perhaps it’s enjoying the vegetables from your garden. Whatever your path is, we’re here to support you and listen!
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Some Helpful Resources
Last but not least, here are some helpful gardening resources! We hope this helps 🙂
- Mindful Gardening Tips for This Fall
- 5 Tips for Sustainable Gardening
- 2024 Planting Calendar
- Michigan State University Gardening Resources
