Is Gardening Stressful? How Gardening can Improve Your Mental Health and Well-being
Gardening is an activity that involves tending to plants, flowers, and fruit/vegetable gardens. It involves digging, watering, and weeding, amongst other things. While gardening may appear to be a chore for some, it holds great promise in helping people reduce their stress levels and achieve a better sense of well-being. In this article, we will explore the therapeutic benefits of gardening and how it can improve your mental health and well-being.The calming effects of gardening
One of the key benefits of gardening is its calming effect. When people are engaged in their gardens, their mind becomes focused on the present moment, helping them to forget about their worries and anxieties. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, gardening can help reduce cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. As such, people who garden regularly tend to have lower stress levels and report feeling more relaxed. Moreover, gardening can be seen as a form of meditation, helping to reduce anxiety levels. When gardening, one can focus on the task at hand, which helps to clear the mind and achieve a sense of calmness. This is why many people find gardening to be so therapeutic.Mindfulness in gardening
Another reason why gardening is effective in reducing stress is through the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of focusing one’s conscious awareness on the present moment. Gardening is an excellent way to practice mindfulness as it involves paying attention to the different sensations associated with working outside, such as the feel of the sun on one’s skin or the smell of fresh soil. Furthermore, gardening requires patience and attention to detail, which can help improve one’s ability to focus and be present.Reducing negative emotions through gardening
Gardening can also help reduce negative emotions such as depression and anxiety. According to a study published in the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, participants reported significant reductions in their symptoms of depression and anxiety after participating in a gardening program. Additionally, they reported feeling more positive emotions such as happiness and satisfaction. Some of the other ways gardening can help reduce negative emotions are:- Providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
- Creating a nurturing and safe environment
- Honing skills such as problem-solving and creativity