Gardening: sowing the seeds of wellness
Picture it: the sweet feeling of a delicate breeze brushing past your face, the smell of freshly cut grass, the comforting afternoon sun... Though many of us lead lives that leave little room for outdoor activities, we all know the feeling of liberation that comes with spending time outside. Recent studies have quantified just how beneficial that time outside can be for mental and physical health. So, what are the benefits of regular gardening activities for your mental health?
Gardening, a meditative practice
In recent years, scientists have been urging populations to implement the practice of gardening in their daily lives, faced with the positive impact gardening can have on people. In 2016, the Health & Horticulture Charter Framework was drafted, combining hundreds of research pieces to show the immense benefits of gardening on health.
Some argue that the act of gardening is similar to that of meditation. Tending to plants provokes the same calming effects as mindfulness practices. The added perk - gardening is an even more rewarding form of meditation. Practicing a relaxing and calm activity such as tending to a plants’ needs, watering herbs, or planting seedlings; ultimately becomes a reward, when you notice the plants are growing. That very plant that allowed you to slow down for a few moments during the day, is now thriving. Gardening will give you positive feedback and great satisfaction - when a new leaf grows, when color becomes more vibrant, or a petal appears. Thus, gardening has been proven to reduce anxiety, in similar ways as meditation can.
Physical health in the garden
Gardening doesn’t have to be a solitary, meditative practice. It can also be a collective activity, something to take part in as a family, or as a community. Studies have shown that community gardens caused an increase in a sense of community among participants. And because good relationships are good for mental health, these shared gardens were also shown to have a hugely positive effect on the well-being of all participants. The collective effort of caring for a garden creates strong bonds.
As well as mental health, the act of gardening can create the situations of physical exercise that we so desperately need. The movements of gardening - pulling, digging, shoveling, carrying reaching - can be compared to a form of aerobics, which can burn a good number of calories and get our hearts beating. What’s great is that when we garden, we don’t notice how much exercise we are doing because of how compelling the nature of the activity is. Carrying a big bag of soil to repot a growing plant is hardly noticeable because it is exciting to see the plant you’ve been caring for, thrive.
Regular gardeners will be able to notice a significant increase in vitamin D intake, which helps absorb calcium for bone health and strength. It also supports a healthy brain, heart, teeth, and lungs. Vitamin D is known to keep immune systems strong and help regulate insulin levels. Ultimately, spending time outdoors, letting some vitamin D seep into your body daily, has been known to reduce feelings of depression and unhappiness. Gardening is good for your mind, your body, and your soul.
Where to start
Make it as rewarding as possible by growing foods you love. If you enjoy salads, plant some lettuce, and watch as you are able to lovingly provide your favorite food for yourself. Vegetable gardening is a great way to work with plants, as you’ll literally be able to eat your rewards.
Set yourself up for success. Choose the best type of soil for your plant. Ask around and do your research before you get started.
Start small and slow. Don’t overwhelm yourself by wanting to grow too much at a time. Maybe a little house plant is enough for you to start, or a bed of herbs on a windowsill. Nothing is too small to feel the benefits of gardening.
Tip: Keep track of the changes and improvements you add to your garden, particularly if you’d like to sell your home in the future, they can add tremendous value to your property.
