Bloom & Thrive: The Wellness Benefits of Gardening
Remembering to take care of yourself can be hard when juggling a busy job and family life. But hobbies that help you slow down and focus on self-care don’t need to be expensive or involve elaborate day trips to the spa. Gardening, for example, is a rewarding hobby that gets you outside and allows you to focus on self-care at your own pace. Keep scrolling to discover more about the wellness benefits of gardening.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Managing stress levels can help address serious mental health problems that many of us suffer from, including anxiety and depression. You may have noticed that you feel better after spending time in gardens or nature. Gardening has been proven to be calming, helping release the body’s natural feel-good hormones, serotonin and endorphins.
Simple activities in the garden, whether mowing the grass, sowing seeds, sweeping up pathways, or filling the bird feeder, can take your mind off your stresses and give you a sense of purpose.
Planting and nurturing plants can be immensely satisfying as you watch them grow and thrive.
And of course, if you grow your own food, you’ll also reap the additional benefits of super fresh, seasonal produce. And you don’t need to think allotments or big spaces. You can even grow tomatoes is hanging baskets!
Encourages Mindfulness
Mindfulness encourages you to focus on the present and be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and body. It can be hugely beneficial in managing your emotions and limiting stress levels.
Gardening allows you to practice mindfulness while connecting with nature. Simple, relaxing tasks like planting seeds, watering flowers, and harvesting vegetables will enable you to focus on the feel of soil texture or the hot sun.
Boosts Physical Health
Gardening is a great source of gentle exercise. Digging, sifting, and mowing use many muscle groups, including arms, legs, shoulders, back, and abdomen. As you stretch, push, and pull around the garden, your flexibility can improve over time.
The gentle cardio gardening offers can burn a surprising number of calories. Unlike a gym membership, you’ll build endurance and muscle outside without realising it and without a costly monthly fee.
Increases Happiness
Gardening can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which can be a mood booster. Serotonin, the “happy hormone,” is produced when digging through soil and absorbing the bacterium Mycobacterium vaccae through the skin of your hands. Many people are unaware that this natural antidepressant and mood lifter exists in their garden.
Have you considered volunteering at a community garden near you? It’s a fantastic way to meet new people while tackling local environmental issues and creating new green spaces.
Hundreds of garden-related volunteering opportunities are available that will get you outside, meeting people who share the same interests.
Provides a Sense of Accomplishment
Growing plants from seeds to full bloom is immensely satisfying. It can provide an important sense of purpose and achievement, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Maintaining your garden and improving it over time will help you appreciate the little things in life more.
Caring for your garden with rakes and trowels or protecting your plants from harsh weather with soil covers can make you feel like the steward of your outdoor community.
Gardening is a slow burn, but the journey is worth every step. You’ll not only have a beautiful garden to be proud of, but you’ll soon start feeling the results of the wellness benefits of gardening.