How gardening can boost your wellbeing
Gardening can significantly enhance your overall wellbeing. From physical health benefits to mental health advantages, gardening can significantly improve your quality of life.
Here are just some ways gardening can boost your wellbeing.
The physical benefits of gardening
Gardening is a form of physical exercise that involves a variety of movements such as digging, planting, weeding and watering. These activities can help you burn calories, strengthen muscles, and improve cardiovascular health while helping you reach the recommended 150 minutes of exercise each week.
Regular gardening is excellent as you get older as it can improve your flexibility and mobility, reducing the risk of conditions like arthritis. Spending time outdoors also gives your body a healthy dose of vitamin D.
The mental health advantages of gardening
Gardening has a profound impact on mental health. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can boost self-esteem and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. The therapeutic effects of gardening are well-documented, with many mental health professionals recommending horticultural therapy for patients dealing with mental health issues.
Spending time in nature has also been shown to lower cortisol levels, helping you to de-stress. If that wasn’t enough, the repetitive tasks involved in gardening can also induce a meditative state, allowing you to focus on the present moment and clear your mind of worries.
Similarly, planting fruit and vegetable seeds and watching them grow allows a great personal, long term goal that has great tactical and mental rewards. Nothing is sweeter than eating your own fruit and veg!
Creating a relaxing garden space
To improve your wellbeing further, designing a garden space that promotes relaxation can be a worthwhile task. For those with limited space, such as an apartment without a garden, tiny house gardening offers innovative solutions that even small balconies or patios can accommodate. Discover how creativity can maximize small spaces with vertical gardens or edible indoor plants.
Start by incorporating elements that appeal to your senses. Fragrant flowers like lavender, jasmine, and roses can provide a soothing aroma, while the gentle sound of a water feature can create a calming auditory experience.
Adding comfortable seating and perhaps a hammock or a swing can create inviting spaces for rest and contemplation. So that you can enjoy some peace in the evening, consider adding some garden lights to enhance the evening ambience.
Making social connections through gardening
Gardening can also be a social activity that fosters connections within your community. Joining a local club or community garden can provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, share knowledge and collaborate on projects. These interactions can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, offering a sense of belonging and community.
Community garden projects can also promote intergenerational bonding. As younger and older generations can work together, gardening can help strengthen communities and networks.
If you have outdoor space of your own, garden parties are an excellent way to socialise outdoors.
Enjoy a healthier, happier life
Gardening helps you cultivate a beautiful outdoor space while giving back to your mind, body and soul. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small balcony, the joys of gardening are accessible to everyone and offer a path to a healthier, happier life.
