The benefits of nature on mental health and wellbeing are well documented, but how can you access them? While leaving your stressful city life behind and moving to the country may be the ideal solution, it’s not an option for everyone.
The garden could be the next best thing though; it doesn’t have to take up a lot of space, and you don’t need to spend much time maintaining it either! Just spend some time in your garden regularly, and let its benefits work their magic on your body and mind. Here are four ways nature improves mental health through gardening.
A garden makes you more creative
A garden is one of the most powerful ways to improve your mental health by engaging in an activity that can make you more creative. This is because there are many different elements that can stimulate your senses, including plants, flowers, natural smells, and sounds from nature.
All of these things have been scientifically proven to help reduce stress levels and give you a sense of peace.
For example, studies have shown that people who live near gardens are less likely to suffer from depression. A garden also provides you with an opportunity for active engagement by inviting you to work alongside it as opposed to being on your phone or computer all day long.
A garden can reduce stress
Everyone knows the benefits of spending time in nature. Studies have found that being exposed to natural beauty, like trees and flowers, can lower stress levels by up to 68%. Plus, the fresh air we breathe when we’re outside is much better for us than the stuffy air inside.
A garden can also be helpful in reducing depression because it allows you to take time out from your busy schedule and escape into your own little world. The best part? You don’t need an expansive yard or even a green thumb to reap these benefits!
A garden increases mindfulness
Gardens are an amazing way to practice mindfulness. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but when you’re in a garden you’re forced to slow down, focus on the present moment, and appreciate all that is around you.
Gardening is also great for your mental health because it can be meditative and therapeutic. For people who have difficulty maintaining their composure or have high levels of anxiety, gardening can help them by allowing them to release steam through physical activity while also helping them feel calm and happy.
Gardening decreases anxiety
Gardening is a hobby that people of all ages and abilities can take up. It’s a great way to get outside, have fun with the kids, and enjoy nature. But what’s even better is that it can be an excellent form of therapy for your mental health. Gardening has been shown to help people deal with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease and more.
Research shows that gardening has therapeutic benefits because it encourages mindfulness; we are made to focus on the task at hand in order to do something as simple as plant seeds or cut back weeds. This forces us to tune out distractions and focus on one thing at time-a skill that is vital for many types of therapy.
Gardening makes you happier
Spending time in nature can improve mental health and promote emotional well-being. Studies show that gardening may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in people with mental illnesses. The act of gardening can also help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Gardening has also been shown to have positive effects on cognitive functioning, such as increased attention span and working memory. Experts believe that this is because the act of gardening requires a number of complex tasks that require sustained focus and attention from the individual – whether it be weeding, planting, or harvesting plants.
