How Gardening helps to improve your Mood
Gardening has been an integral part of human life for as long as people have been cultivating food. Over the centuries, gardens have evolved into more than just spaces for growing plants; they have become sanctuaries where individuals can relax, concentrate, and reconnect with nature and one another. Indeed, gardening is recognized for its numerous mental health benefits, offering a valuable way to enhance overall well-being. Gardening can positively influence various aspects of mental health, including mood, focus, and self-esteem.
Gardening positively influences your mental health.
Calming Effect: Gardening has a calming effect that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of peace and contentment. The act of focusing on gardening tasks, such as planting or weeding, can divert attention from negative thoughts and feelings, fostering a more positive state of mind. Simply being surrounded by plants has been shown to ease stress for many individuals, making gardening an effective way to improve mood.
Boosts Self-Esteem: Gardening can also enhance self-esteem, which refers to how much you value and appreciate yourself. Successfully nurturing a plant from seed to maturity is a rewarding experience that can instil a sense of accomplishment. Observing the tangible results of your efforts in the form of healthy plants can significantly boost your sense of self-worth.
Improves Attention Span: Engaging in gardening can enhance one’s ability to focus on a single task, which is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with maintaining attention in their daily lives. The concentrated effort required in gardening teaches individuals to focus on the present moment without getting distracted. Research indicates that outdoor activities, including gardening, can reduce symptoms associated with attention disorders.
Provides Exercise: Gardening is also a form of physical activity involving movements such as digging, raking, and weeding, which provide moderate exercise. Regular physical activity is known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it can help in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. For those who find traditional forms of exercise unappealing, gardening offers a pleasurable alternative that still delivers these mental health benefits.
Incorporating Gardening into Your Life
There are many ways to include gardening in your daily routine:
Grow Plants Indoors: Gardening is not limited to outdoor spaces. Many plants thrive indoors in pots or planters. With access to natural or artificial light, potting soil, and appropriate containers, you can start your indoor garden regardless of space limitations.
Choose What to Grow: Consider what flowers, fruits, or vegetables you enjoy the most. Different plants require different levels of care, so choose plants that align with your available time, living conditions, and budget.
Join a Community Garden: Community gardens are shared spaces where individuals can cultivate plants either collectively or in individual plots. Participating in a community garden offers the opportunity to learn from experienced gardeners and develop social connections. Searching online for nearby community gardens is a good starting point.
Gardening is not only a productive hobby but also a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being, offering benefits that range from improved mood and self-esteem to better focus and social connectivity.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Charlot Cauchi is a Gestalt Psychotherapist at Willingness. He has experience working with adult clients with mental health difficulties, anxiety and depression, loss and grief, traumatic experiences, stress and relational issues.
References
Thompson, R. (2018). Gardening for health: A regular dose of gardening. Clinical Medicine, 18(3), 201-205. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.18-3-201
