Are you currently experiencing the “empty nest syndrome”? This often brings feelings of loneliness and grief as kids move out of the family home. You now have spare time to fill. Here is why you might want to try gardening for emotional well-being:
Humans feel calm when looking at greenery and being in nature. According to research, gardening can relieve anxiety and reduce stress. You might think “But I don’t have a garden!” – no problem. Gardening is an activity that does not necessarily require acres of land behind the house, you can start with a small allotment or even some plant pots on the balcony or in your living room.
Continue to Nurture
You have raised and nurtured your children for many years – you might find joy in nurturing plants now that the kids are out of the house.
Watching a flower blossom from a bulb can boost self-esteem, as you contribute to visible growth. When looking at a plant or flower, we usually feel uplifted, especially when we grow it on our own. Your nurturing efforts are paying off.
Growing different seeds, flowers, and vegetables can feel like starting a new project—a “new child” with specific needs. In the early stages, you watch seedlings grow, shield them from pests, wrap them on cold days, and shade them from the sun.
Having a purpose
Taking care of plants can give a new purpose now that the children have left – they need you as much as your kids needed you when still living under the same roof. Gardening is a calming and restorative activity.
When your kids move out of the house, you might experience depressive symptoms because life feels less meaningful. Caring for plants can give meaning back – these are living creatures with certain needs and preferences, too.
Gardening requires commitment and activities such as digging soil, watering, and weeding will help you get out of your head and feel your body. It offers physical exercise in a calm way with a purpose – you can unplug from the world and recharge your batteries. During gardening activities, you will have to change your posture which brings movement to your body – your mood will inevitably change.
Feeling accomplished
Whether you get to harvest fruit from the trees in your garden after several years, get your lettuce inside for a salad for dinner or smell those beautiful flowers that grew in springtime, gardening is rewarding in many ways and can brings a sense of accomplishment.
It is an all-year activity, too, especially in warmer countries. When you are surrounded by your plants and seedlings, you might feel more mindful and present in the moment. Gardening will teach you to trust the process and be patient. You get fresh air whilst gardening and your daily sunshine to boost your Vitamin D which enhances your mood.
When the kids come visit you can spend time together in the garden/the green environment you have created during their absence. As Audrey Hepburn said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Franziska Richter is a transcultural counsellor with the Willingness Team, offering counselling sessions to individuals and couples. She is particularly interested in sexuality, relationship issues, trauma and general mental health.
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