It is March and we have begun to dream and plan for what flowers, herbs, and vegetables to grow in our garden this spring and summer. Did you know that working with plants is a powerful form of self-care?
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” -Alfred Austin
Gardening allows you to:
- Connect with and appreciate the beauty of nature,
- Spend time and teach your children, and
- Helps you practice mindfulness.
Here are 5 ways that gardening provides physical, mental, and emotional benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Studies have shown that gardening can reduce stress and anxiety levels. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that participants who engaged in gardening reported significantly lower levels of stress and better mood than those who engaged in indoor activities.
- Increases mindfulness: Gardening requires a lot of attention and focus on one task without distracting yourself with other thoughts and worries, which can help you become more mindful. A study published in the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture found that people who engaged in gardening reported higher levels of mindfulness and a greater sense of calm. Appreciating what you can grow, and even sharing it with your community can also serve as a source of gratitude which can lead to a greater sense of happiness and well-being.
- Improves physical health: Gardening is a physical activity that can help improve overall health. It can help increase strength and flexibility, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that gardening was associated with lower rates of obesity and better overall health.
- Boosts mood and enhances self-esteem: Gardening has been shown to boost mood and self-esteem. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture foundnumerous psychological benefits of plants and the activity of gardening including improved happiness and life satisfaction, increased creativity, productivity, and attention, and enhanced self-esteem.
- Provides a sense of accomplishment: Gardening can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can be beneficial for mental health. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that gardening helped people feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Overall, gardening can be a rewarding form of self-care that can have a calming effect and can help you to relax and unwind. Whether you are planning a large garden plot, small containers, or caring for your indoor plants, you will experience amazing benefits in the process.
Looking for some ways to get started? Here are some tips to get your garden ready.