I always dreamed of being a gardener like my grandma. She had the most beautiful garden with the most delicious fruits and vegetables. Before 2020 I made attempts and had some luck with very small areas of the garden, but my love of travel literally killed the garden!
Being home this past year gave me an opportunity to see gardening in a very different light. Now I garden so we have our own organic food, to attract beautiful butterflies, and because it brings me joy!
Gardening has been one of the most therapeutic things I have ever done, despite the occasional pest! So I thought I would see just how good it has been for me... based on expert opinions.
Horticultural Therapy
Using gardening for therapeutic means is known as horticultural therapy. This promising method has shown improvements in depression and overall life satisfaction.
No matter what the world looks like elsewhere, our own backyard is a safe haven! So it is time to get our hands dirty while improving our mental health, vitality and find some new friends along the way. Here are some benefits that gardening brings to our emotional well-being.
Fulfillment and Mindfulness
Self-fulfillment is about realizing our capacities as humans to achieve our fullest potential. This involves my favorite thing... mindfulness, or being in the moment. Gardening is a mindful activity that can get anyone deeply involved in every step.
When I am in the garden, I become so focused on playing in the dirt, cutting back plants, looking for critters, etc that I lose all of the other clutter in my head. Many times I also notice sounds, scents and colors in the garden that I might otherwise miss. Meanwhile, the stress of everything else just fades away. Can you relate?
This deep involvement can improve attention span. Gardening can test your attention span by getting you involved in a single activity like troweling soil for a plant or even harvesting the fruits you grow in your backyard. These activities help you concentrate and pay full attention to your current task.
Experts have suggested that green outdoor activities like gardening are potential natural treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you struggle with focusing on certain things, gardening may be a good step forward to overcoming that challenge.
Experiencing the Outdoors
Nature can be restorative to our minds and improve our moods. This goes back to the way outdoor activities help with focusing on the task at hand. By paying full attention to our immediate gardening activity, we block out negative thoughts and instantly feel better, thus reducing unnecessary stress.
Relatedly, studies suggest how living near green spaces like parks and forests can lower stress, protect against illness, and reduce mental fatigue. Even with just a little space or a balcony, you can create your own green space or box garden!
On top of feeling better mentally, gardening provides opportunities for physical exercise. You could work up a sweat by digging, weeding, watering, and working under the sun. Regular exercise reduces risk factors for dementia, thus making gardening an ideal mental and physical exercise for overall health and wellness.
There is an abundance of evidence on the benefits of gardening for kids, and we have experienced some of those. We also have a wonderful activity that allows us to learn and "grow" together.
Sustainable Living
Gardening is a great way to grow food in your backyard. I love picking fresh tomatoes or strawberries straight from the backyard and into my breakfast omelet or waffles. I also enjoy the peace of mind knowing how my food was grown. By growing your own food organically, you can reduce exposure to chemicals while enjoying the produce as soon as it is harvested! Trust me, it tastes better when you pick it.
Get Involved With the Community
You might be reluctant to start gardening, especially if you haven’t done so before. Don’t let that stop you! A community garden is another way to get into gardening and is more newbie-friendly.
A community garden is a shared gardening space where members of your community come together and share growing tips with each other. Check your local listings for any community gardens nearby. You could get some insight from experienced gardeners before developing your own garden on your property.
Tips for Beginners
If you want to get into outdoor gardening for the first time, be prepared to make mistakes. These are normal, so don’t let them get you down or discourage you! The best way to prepare for these mistakes and minimize them along the way is to keep the following in mind:
Stretch: Gardening is an exercise, so be sure to stretch your body before and after.
Wear Gloves: If you’re worried about itching or rashes from getting your hands dirty, wear gloves while gardening.
Wash Your Hands: Be sure to clean yourself when you’re done gardening.
Clean Your Tools: Consider cleaning your tools every other day to avoid bacterial propagation on your gardening tools.
Check the Season: Some plants can only grow in a certain season. Confirm whether the plants you want to grow are ideal for the current season you decide on gardening.
Mask Up if Allergies: Rather than avoid the garden during times of high pollen, grab one of those masks you invested in this past year!
Conclusion
Gardening is a physical activity in itself, making it a great exercise for better mental wellbeing. At the same time, gardening gives opportunities to improve mental health by experiencing the outdoors. This exposure to nature is restorative to brain health by allowing us to focus on specific tasks while blocking out negative thoughts.
For our family (especially me), the garden has added a beautiful sanctuary to our outdoor space that fills many needs. The greatest benefit by far has been to our mental health!
In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for more information about our gardens and butterflies!
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